KUCHING, Jan 2: Datu Hii Chang Kee’s appointment as the new Deputy Sarawak Secretary proves that the Sarawak civil service would only offer important positions based on merit and not by race.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok said the post filled by Hii is the second highest after the Sarawak Secretary.
“Datu Hii, being Chinese and promoted to Deputy Sarawak Secretary, shows that our Sarawak civil service would promote anyone to any important position based on merit, not race.
“I must commend our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) for building our civil service based on meritocracy,” he said in a statement today.
He further said with Hii’s appointment, the Chinese community in Sarawak shall view it as a good move by the government and that the civil service is open for all Sarawakians irrespective of race.
Hii was previously the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP).
He has served in the civil service since 1992, starting at the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).
Throughout his career, he has served in various positions, including as secretary for SMC for five years, Sibu District Resident and permanent secretary to the then Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.
On Dec 30, Hii officially handed over his duties (as the permanent secretary to MTCP) to Datu Sherinna Hussai, the former Kuching Division Resident.
The ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at Baitulmakmur 2 building in Kuching.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat. — DayakDaily
