By Karen Bong and Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 20: Sarawak’s civil service has been urged to simplify processes and cut what no longer adds value as the State pushes for a lean, agile, and results-focused public service powered by digitalisation and innovation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that these reforms are crucial to achieving Sarawak’s goals under Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
“The success of our plans depends on all of you. Policies and allocations may set the direction, but it is leadership that gives them meaning.
“Strong, values-based leadership at every level will determine how well we execute, how effectively we serve, and how deeply we uphold the trust placed in us by the people,” he said when addressing the Civil Service Day 2025 celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari highlighted the importance of collaboration across ministries, departments, districts, and the private sector, stressing that breaking down silos is essential for achieving common outcomes.
“A strong civil service is not measured by its size but by its impact. By simplifying what can be simplified, cutting out what no longer adds value, and directing our efforts toward initiatives that truly matter, we create the foundation for innovation, digitalisation, and Sarawak’s transformation toward the new economy by 2030,” he said.
He explained that lean management, digitalisation, and innovation are interconnected: lean practices streamline processes, digital tools provide faster, evidence-based decision-making, and innovation empowers officers to improve services and deliver greater impact for the people.
Through the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, Abang Johari said the State is modernising governance by integrating systems, strengthening data use, and automating processes.
He noted that currently, 59.4 per cent of government services are available online, moving steadily toward a fully digital public sector.
“Our aim is to build a government that is inclusive, efficient, and citizen-centred, leveraging technology to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, and ensure equal access to opportunities for every Sarawakian,” he added.
Abang Johari stressed that transformation is driven not by technology alone but by mindset as he called on officers to cultivate a culture of innovation, questioning and improving daily practices.
“Innovation should be part of daily work, not a special initiative,” he said. “When officers are empowered to think creatively and act decisively, the public service becomes more responsive and effective.”
By aligning systems, talent, and governance frameworks with strategic priorities on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the Premier expressed confidence that Sarawak can strengthen partnerships with the private sector and state-owned enterprises, forming a high-performing ecosystem that drives efficiency, stimulates enterprise, and accelerates the State’s transformation toward the new economy. — DayakDaily
