By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 12: A project should not be deemed successful simply because it has been completed and its allocation fully spent, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says, stressing that safety, quality, public need and value for money are the real measures of success.
“A project was only truly successful when it was safe to use, of good quality, met the people’s needs and delivered benefits commensurate with public expenditure.
“Unreasonable delays, wastage, poor workmanship and negligence in monitoring are matters of integrity because the consequences will ultimately fall on the people,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Integrity Day 2026 celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
He also stressed that the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 was not simply about increasing the number of roads, bridges, schools and public facilities across the State.
“Every planning must be based on the actual needs of the people, every ringgit must be spent prudently and every benefit must reach the targeted groups,” he said.
On project delivery, Abang Johari directed ministries, departments and agencies to ensure procurement processes were transparent and competitive, with value for money remaining a key consideration.
He also called for projects to be monitored from the planning stage through to handover, including compliance with approved costs, timelines, specifications and quality standards.
The Premier said the same principle should extend to Sarawak’s broader development, where progress should be measured by how widely its benefits are felt rather than solely by economic growth or the scale of development.
“Every Sarawakian should have access to quality services, fair opportunities and inclusive development,” he added. — DayakDaily
