By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 6: Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua has officially assumed her duties as the new Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration).
She succeeds Datu Buckland Bangik, who retired from the Sarawak Civil Service after 37 years of dedicated service.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, the handover ceremony was witnessed by Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
In his address, Abu Bakar praised Buckland for his long and distinguished service, describing him as a steady and seasoned leader whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the Sarawak Civil Service.
He said the transition reflects leadership continuity within the State administration, adding that Buckland’s extensive experience and institutional knowledge remain valuable in supporting the collective work of the civil service.
Abu Bakar also recalled Tan’s long public service journey, which began in 1993 when she was appointed an administrative officer in Sibu. She later served in Sarikei and Sri Aman, before holding key leadership roles at divisional and State departmental levels.
He emphasised that merit, performance and teamwork remain the core principles guiding career advancement in the Sarawak Civil Service, noting that the growing presence of women in senior administrative positions reflects an inclusive and equitable system free from gender bias.
“Good performance will always be recognised. If you perform well, there will be opportunities regardless of whether you are a man or a woman,” he said, while urging senior officers to continue working together in unity and mutual respect.
In his remarks, Buckland expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government and his colleagues for the trust and cooperation extended to him throughout his career.
He underscored the importance of teamwork in public service, noting that while individuals may move fast on their own, collective effort enables an organisation to progress further and more sustainably.
“I truly believe teamwork is very important. Whatever challenges we face, we manage them together,” he said.
In her maiden remarks, Tan described her appointment as a meaningful milestone, particularly for women in Sarawak, and expressed her gratitude to the Sarawak government for the confidence placed in her.
She said her more than two decades of experience at the grassroots level, including stints as Assistant District Officer, District Officer, Divisional Resident and director, has shaped her leadership approach, which she now brings to her new role at the State level.
Acknowledging the responsibilities that come with the position, she called for guidance and cooperation from senior officers, heads of departments and colleagues to ensure the effective implementation of State policies and programmes.
Also present were Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, heads of departments, and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
