By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 28: Civil servants in Sarawak should not hesitate to give advice to ministers in the State, especially those involving policy matters.
This was stated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in his speech today at a townhall session with Sarawak civil servants at a hotel here today.
He emphasised that civil servants are those who work in the field, and their perspectives are important when developing policies or making new decisions on behalf of the government.
“The civil service is the smart people, you (civil servants) are the engine (of the government), and you are the motivator. You are also on the ground and you can advise us, the ministers, what to do.
“You give us the feedback (advice), we’ll analyse and it will become a joint solution, this is the way to move forward,” he said.
Furthermore, Abang Johari stated that close working relationships between State leaders and the civil service were important to ensuring the success of the government’s agenda or plan.
He claimed that this was proven when the State government’s digital economy agenda was successfully implemented.
“This can be seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, as all activities are done online and even online purchase payments are also made using our Sarawak Pay app,” he added.
Meanwhile, more than 700 civil servants attended the meeting with the Premier of Sarawak.
Also present were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai, and Sarawak Attorney General Dato Talat Mahmud. — DayakDaily
