Delivery system is still unsatisfactory, says CM

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal said the successful implementation of programs and agendas in the state depends largely on the role and contribution of civil servants.

He said the state required a team of civil servants with high integrity, accountability, commitment and dedication to help the government attain various achievements and the people’s trust in the government’s sincerity in delivering its best service for the well-being of the people.

Currently, the delivery system was still at an unsatisfactory level, Shafie said in his speech during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the 65th birthday of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin yesterday.

The lack of coordination and inadequate research are affecting project implementation, he said, adding that the government, civil servants and the private sector needed to work better to drive Sabah’s development to a higher level.

In education, Shafie said the government, in its effort to provide knowledgeable, highly skilled and innovative human capital, would strive to send civil servants and qualified students abroad to acquire expertise and skills in various fields.

This would enable those who had been sent abroad to serve and contribute to government’s promoted industries.

Shafie also highlighted the government’s achievement in attracting investors to come and invest in the state despite being a new government.

He said Sabah should not rely heavily on the tourism sector and the export of raw materials such as timber and crude palm oil.

Therefore, the government is currently actively looking for downstream activities and creating more industries, including discussions with local and foreign investors to build their plants and factories in the state and fully utilizing available resources.

At the same time, the government is also promoting the furniture industry for export, he said, adding that the effort would not only raise funds for the state, but also create job opportunities for the youth in the state.

Thus, he called on all leaders and the people to unite, work together, cooperate and work with the new state government of Sabah, for the sake of political stability, state prosperity and the well-being of the people.

“Sabah is indeed a peaceful and prosperous state, so let our beloved state stay in harmony,” he said.

Before ending his speech, Shafie wished and prayed for Tun Juhar’s well-being as the Head of State, who is a person who is deeply concerned for the people of Sabah and who is always giving opinions and constructive advice for the benefit of the state.