By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 24: Government processes that remain manual despite the availability of digital solutions are creating unnecessary burdens for businesses, says Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Dato Richard Wee.
Speaking to reporters after the inaugural Business Writing Workshop organised by Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) yesterday (Aug 23), Wee said procedures such as licence renewals and company registrations should be simplified and digitalised to foster a more business-friendly environment.
“Whether it is a driver’s licence renewal or any other matter, it should be computerised or digitalised, rather than everything having to be manual. Sometimes, this creates unnecessary delays,” he said.
Wee cited the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) procedure for registering new companies as an example, which now requires company directors to be physically present to sign documents.
“In the past, this could be done by authorising the company secretary with a statutory declaration.
“Now, directors themselves must go to Inland Revenue and sign in person. We don’t know why this change is necessary,” he explained.
He revealed that SFCA, together with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS), had submitted a memorandum earlier this year urging the government to review such requirements.
“We want them to tell us why this is needed. If the intention is to ensure authenticity, there are lawyers who can verify signatures easily. There are simpler ways,” he stressed.
Earlier during a panel discussion, Wee expressed concern that cumbersome processes could slow Sarawak’s economic growth despite the State government’s aggressive development plans.
“With the Premier’s (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) vision and goals, I hope the government machinery will be able to keep up with the pace.
“Otherwise, when the Premier is moving so fast, the other side should provide a more efficient and simpler way for processes and applications to be done.
“This will ensure the business sector benefits from faster service delivery and avoids bottlenecks to progress that we are talking about,” he said. – DayakDaily
