By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 6: The Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) must take necessary action to stop the negative perceptions painted about the public service, especially on social media, by upholding high integrity, render best services and have a high performance culture to bring positive impact to the people.
Making this call, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reminded government officers that those with high integrity will not have any problems in executing any task given, but those without integrity will impact any organisation negatively.
“Positive impact can be delivered through fast and efficient service delivery by all government officers. Therefore, I encourage all SCS to be creative and innovative in improving the work processes to save time and cost and at the same time be efficient and transparent.
“I also want to remind all government officers to understand our rakyat’s needs. When we are entrusted to draft policies, procedures or laws, we must take into consideration the views from the ground,” he said in his speech text read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the closing ceremony of ‘Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) Values Through Leadership Seminar’ held at a hotel here tonight.
Abang Johari thus urged the SCS to join hands together in making sure that Sarawak can achieve its vision to be a developed State with high integrity by 2030.
Urging the SCS to practise values-based leadership, he said it will certainly instil a common set of values in all employees, improving their cohesiveness and willingness to work together.
“Leaders who practise these values will encourage junior officers in facilitating the best service delivery to the rakyat. This enhances engagement, performance and retention of excellent talent.
“A selfless leader will always put others’ needs before their own. A leader with values will often demonstrate accountability in whatever they do. Therefore, leadership based on these values will create a friendly and conducive working environment. Remember to always bring out the best in others,” he reminded the civil servants present.
With that, Abang Johari called on the SCS to renew their pledge “An Honour to Serve” and recommit to the culturing of SCS’ six shared values to accelerate and sustain a high performing culture in the public service.
“We are the custodians of Sarawak’s wealth, diversity and future. We must stay united and continue to strengthen our economy together now and for our future generations. In unity, we can achieve even greater things for our beloved Sarawak.
“We are SCS One Team, working hand-in-hand for the future of Sarawak. ‘Intu Sarawak, Jaga Sarawak’ (take good care of Sarawak),” he added.
Meanwhile, the one-day seminar brought together some 350 SCS officers which featured notable speakers including Sarawak Civil Service Commission former deputy chairman Datu Romie Sigan Daniel, National Integrity and Anti-Corruption and Governance Centre (GIACC) former director Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed.
Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister for Integrity and Ombudsman Datuk Juanda Jaya, State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Human Resource Development and Management Unit director Datu Ismail Mohamad Hanis and Integrity and Ombudsman Unit Sarawak (Unions) director Adana Jed were among those present at the closing ceremony. — DayakDaily
