Spend a lot of time with people, Shafie tells reps

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has reminded government elected representatives to reach out to the grassroots and spend more time with them.

He said the people had high expectations of the new government at both state and federal levels, hence, state assemblymen and parliamentarians should not neglect their responsibilities.

“Spend a lot of time with the people to deliver government policies and actions so as to improve their lives. Listen to their problems and look for the best approach to overcome them,” he said when opening the Special Executive Programme for Sabah assemblymen and MPs, here, yesterday.

The day-long programme organised by the Public Service Department (PSD) and National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), was attended by the state’s elected representatives.

Also present were PSD directorgeneral Datuk Seri Borhan Dolah and INTAN director Datuk Suriani Ahmad. Shafie said the people were now wise enough to evaluate and select elected representatives who could serve them well.

Meanwhile, the state government will continue to focus on transparent governance and avoid financial leakage to increase the State Government’s revenue.

“Therefore, corrupt practices that contribute to financial leakage are addressed to strengthen the state’s finances including in all its departments and agencies.

“These include what is done in the State Water Department with the state government taking over the department’s operations and providing water supply services in a transparent manner to the people,” he said.

Shafie said the constraints were always there but without financial leakage, service delivery to the people could be improved. - Bernama