KUCHING: Sarawak could have faced a tougher task in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic had it not adopted the use of digital technology early, says the Chief Minister.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said many were sceptical of the state’s digital economy agenda when it was first launched in 2017, but thankfully Sarawak started early and was ready to face the pandemic.
“If we do not innovate, if there is no research and development (R&D) and no initiative to improve service performance, perhaps we will experience a critical crisis dealing with the present situation.
“That is why I have always emphasised the need to digitalise the services offered and the usage of latest technologies so that the public services can always be accessed by the people, anytime, anywhere.”
He was officiating at the Sarawak Land and Survey Department’s Integrity and Innovation Day 2021 here yesterday (Monday).
He said the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 launched in July this year was a way forward for Sarawak to become a high-income and developed state by 2030, and the implementation was driven by innovation and based on concrete data.
“This PCDS 2030 will bring the people of Sarawak to experience rapid development as well as improve the socioeconomic well-being of the people with more access to economic opportunities.
“Therefore, the commitment of the public service is very much needed to facilitate the implementation of the PCDS 2030 and provide the necessary support to the state government, the private sector and the people.”
He said under the leadership of State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, the performance of the civil servants in the state civil service had remained consistent.
“Five strategies and 55 initiatives have been identified in the department’s Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) to enhance the level of integrity, governance and efforts to address any possible corruption.
“I would like to see this OACP be constantly monitored closely and seriously so that all the initiatives can be practiced efficiently and effectively.”
Abang Johari added: “I want to thank the civil servants who have worked as volunteers and non-health volunteers at the vaccination centres statewide.”
