Sabah pushes for clean, accountable public service
Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Some of the heads of department at the seminar. Kota Kinabalu: More than 800 civil servants participated in the Seminar on Integrity Governance: Transforming Public Service as part of efforts to strengthen integrity values across the public sector. Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Seri Rosli Isa said the seminar served as a key platform to instill and enhance understanding of integrity and good governance among both federal and state civil servants.
Advertisement 'Sabah has approximately 126,000 federal and 27,000 state civil servants. 'It is therefore crucial to ensure that every civil servant truly understands and upholds strong values of integrity in their service,' he said during the seminar, on Tuesday. Rosli said civil servants are the backbone of government administration and should reflect the values of good conduct, quality service, integrity, and compassion in line with the aspirations of the Madani Government. He said shaping a governance system rooted in integrity is vital not only for achieving efficient and clean administration but also aligns with Malaysia's vision to become a respected and progressive nation on the global stage. 'We want to see a consistent decline in misconduct, disciplinary issues, and corruption among civil servants. These noble values must be instilled continuously, and department heads must ensure that integrity becomes the foundation of governance,' he said. He added that any breach of law or governance procedures will be referred to enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Rosli also reminded that integrity must be rooted in a sincere heart and a strong sense of faith and spirituality. 'When the heart is pure, our character follows. We must strengthen our faith and consciousness of God so that our personal values not only reflect noble character but are also accountable in the hereafter,' he said. He also called on all department heads to actively play their role in maintaining a clean and transparent civil service in line with the Federal Government's transformation agenda in building a high-integrity administration. Meanwhile, Chief Executive of the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia), Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan, said Sabah is equally responsible in playing its role to fight corruption. 'To attract investor confidence and build a sustainable future, we must establish a governance system free from abuse of power,' he said. 'In today's borderless digital world, integrity challenges have become more complex and cannot be addressed through policies alone. 'We must strengthen internal organisational values, self-discipline, work culture and lead by example. 'Programmes like this not only raise awareness but also spark a wave of change that uplifts the dignity and reputation of the civil service in Sabah,' he said. The State Government has also introduced initiatives such as the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) in various departments and agencies, including Sedia itself, as proof of its commitment to comprehensive good governance. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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