BINTULU: The Sarawak government is serious about promoting a culture of integrity among civil servants and the community.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya said that in line with the efforts to target a high-income state by 2030, Sarawak is consistent with the goal of becoming a developed state with high integrity.
Therefore, he said, various initiatives were carried out to ensure that the wishes of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg could be achieved according to the right track, including establishing an Integrity Unit and Ombudsman to cultivate integrity, increase accountability, transparency and government governance as well as service delivery in civil servants.
He explained further, the establishment of the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS), which was given certain powers to ensure that Sarawak continues to move forward and put integrity as one of the top priorities.
“One of the main functions of the State Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNION) is the management of ombudsman complaints. This role is to receive various complaints and suggestions from the public (individuals) related to the services of government agencies and departments.
“All complaints are examined and investigated based on the International Ombudsman’s practice of independence, neutrality, impartiality, confidentiality and informality.”
Juanda said this when speaking at the Bintulu Development Board’s (BDA) Integrity Mandate ceremony held at Wisma Bintulu Auditorium, here, on Friday (June 14).
He said corruption does not only involve money, material but also the abuse of power, where many find it difficult to resist the temptations of this abuse of power.
He added that the situation is worse when they are found guilty by the court, causing them not to receive a pension despite decades of service.
At the same time, he stressed that civil servants need to have integrity and have a strong sense of identity in rejecting any bribery or corruption.
This is because, he said, corruption is a criminal offense that can lead to the collapse of organisations and threaten national security.
“One of the main goals of the Sarawak government is to ensure efficient and responsive civil servants in providing first-class services.”
Also present were Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, BDA deputy chairman Datuk Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, BDA general manager Datuk Muhammad Yakup Kari, Anti-Corruption Commission deputy head of branch, Muhammad Najib Mohd Yasin, BDA deputy general manager Abdul Rahim Abdullah.
