By Simon Peter
He said with the recent amendments to the Federal Constitution that was originally proposed by Sarawak, the basic reference of the rights of the Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah is now duly given recognition according to the spirit of MA63.
“This achievement thus far on MA63 is part of the 34-point pledge in the GPS Manifesto that is the embodiment of our promise to transform the State’s economy and care for the wellbeing of our people,” he said when addressing the State Civil Service Day here.
He said the state government will work with the Sarawak Civil Service machinery in the execution of the policies on digital economy, sustainable development, decarbonisation and enterprises for economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability that will be driven by data and innovation.
“At the heart of good policy implementation is an effective relationship between the political leadership and civil servants,” he said, expressing his confidence that that the combined strength of the civil service and of Sarawak GPS political leaders will ensure the success of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy by 2030.
Abang Johari said since taking over in 2017, this government has implemented no less than 110 initiatives across various sectors in the state.
“We built bridges, roads, dams and power plants. We implemented agriculture modernisation, explore hydrogen economy, upgraded school facilities.
“We built our own station (TVS) and Digital Village, enhanced broadband coverage, improve
service delivery through Service Sarawak, and even looking forward to set up Sarawak’s very own boutique airline.
“Indeed, we look forward to many more discoveries, innovations and achievements ahead of us,” the chief minister said.
Abang Johari also lamented that his regret that of the Projek Rakyat is quite slow in implementation.
“It could be caused by “bureaucracy” or red tape, may be due to procedures, which has the effect of slowing down the process of implementation of projects or taking of corrective measures if there is any problem along the way,” he said.
“Let me share with you a case in point – the Marudi Bridge, which has been delayed for a year or more. We have terminated the contract with the contractor and we have decided that a rescue contractor has to come in to complete the project, but certain procedures have to be adhered to that has been preventing JKR from taking the corrective measure as fast as desired.
“I am not suggesting that we want to forgo procedures as the element of integrity or good governance must always be the basis of public spending.
“But there are procedures that I believe can be adjusted so that our development can be expedited.
“I do hope all of you who are members of our state administration machinery will take note of this.
“If there is any need to revamp the procedures then revamp them,” he said, adding that some of the procedures are obsolete.
“I have directed State Financial Secretary to study the procedures not because we want to do away with procedures as stipulated in the Treasury Instruction, but we have to change procedures which are not necessary anymore.
“With the advent of digital technologies, financial procedures need to be aligned more
practically with technologies as what had been done by the Land and Survey Department which has practically put information on land administration, including NCR, at the tip of the finger,” he said.
