Strengthen integrity to boost public trust, Hajiji tells govt depts and GLCs
(third right) Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Datuk Victor Ationg (third left) and Sawit Kinabalu Integrity and Governance Division team showing the OACP 2025-2029 book
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called upon all departments and government-linked companies (GLCs) to reinforce integrity and enhance trust in public institutions.
He made the call Thursday (May 15) after Sawit Kinabalu introduced the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) 2025-2029, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening integrity and good governance at all levels of the organisation.
In welcoming the move, he said the OACP is an initiative to create an efficient, credible and corruption-free administration.
'I encourage all departments and GLCs to emulate this approach in reinforcing integrity and enhancing public trust in government institutions,' said Hajiji, who is also Sawit Kinabalu chairman.
He said the implementation of the OACP should not just be to fulfil policy requirements, but become a norm in the work culture of GLCs and government agencies.
Earlier, Sawit Kinabalu Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Victor Ationg presented the OACP to Hajiji at his office at Menara Kinabalu here.
Accompanying Victor during the courtesy visit to the Chief Minister was the group's Integrity and Governance Division team.
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Sabah GLCs love Malayan companies, sideline Sabah companies. No love for 'Sabah for Sabahans.' They love 'Sabah for Malayans'. [7] Return on capital and assets are poor, mostly negative! [8]. The non-performing GLCs have not helped to build up Sabah's economy. Instead, they are destroying it. The GRS government, for the first time in Sabah's history, has initiated transformation after many public warnings by Hajiji and Masidi on the unsatisfactory and sad situation in the GLC. Already announced are these big moves. First, AG Brenndon and MOF Assistant Minister have confirmed the formation of the Oversight Committee. This is an important first step. Second, AG Brenndon has confirmed that all agreements to be signed by GLCs must be referred to and vetted by his Chambers before submission to the Cabinet. Knowing Brenndon, he would not tolerate any lopsided agreement at Sabah's expense. Many Sabahans are extremely concerned about the poor performance of GLCs. 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[8] GLCs are in hotels, resorts and jungle resorts [Innoprise, SEDCO and Sabah Air] [9] GLCs have been granted exclusive JV preference mostly with Malayan companies. Summary: you name it, GLCs are in it. GLCs control it. GLCs are the preferred choice for almost every economic activity in Sabah. GLCs are given priority in any new business, depriving opportunities for Sabahan businessmen. Despite of all the huge advantages, most of them are doing very badly. The GLCs are in competition Sabah's private sector in the most unfair manners. They are killing our Sabahan investors, entrepreneurs, and even small SMEs. Chairmen, Directors, Senior Management would have been sacked in the Private Sector. All business conglomerates would NOT have tolerated the bad governance/management of the board of directors, senior management of Sabah's GLCs. They would have been sacked long time ago. The shareholders would not tolerate such persistent non-performance and abuses. 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No iron rice bowl in Petronas. A thorough revamp, transformation and rationalization is long overdue. Let the leaders in this election answer this question. Good leaders will give you the right and logical answer. Solve the GLCs Problems, 50% economic Sabah's problems are Solved. Why is this? Because the GLCs are burdening down, big liabilities in almost all the sectors of Sabah's economy. If the GLCs can be transformed to perform, all the sectors that they are in will create an economic boom in Sabah. Imagine: [1] If each GLC, on average, can create 100 jobs, 25,000 Sabahans will have employment. Sabah's unemployed graduates will be over. [2] If each GLC, on average can make RM10m, total will be RM2.5b, RM20m, it will be RM5b. Given all the freebies like land, monopolies, concessions and no capital cost, such profits can be within easy reach. SMJ Energy's profit is already RM250m in 3rd year of existence. KPJ Hospital [Johor SEDCO] makes RM350m a year. 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Let's pray Leaders of all Parties will Focus on GLC Transformation. Yes, Sabahans better pray hard that Sabah leaders will focus on transformation of GLCs. Successful GLC transformation will mean prosperity. Failure? Continue poverty. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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