KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has taken civil service leaders in the state government to task, warning that he will no longer tolerate inaction and delays in implementing projects or meeting the needs of the people.
The Chief Minister said he had received many reports about mayors, district officers or municipal council chiefs who were not doing anything to resolve problems in their respective areas or implement approved development projects.
"Don't think that I am a nice guy. Don't for a moment think I am soft and you can do whatever you want.
"I will act firmly against those not doing their jobs in their respective districts and municipal councils," he said on Thursday (Dec 22) during his speech at a strategic partnership meeting between Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) and local authorities.
"I will watch you closely. I have received these reports from the people of your area that some of you think you are 'raja' or 'sultans' in your districts..
"I am going tough on all district officers. Don't be angry with me. If these reports are true, we will act against you," he said.
"Whatever programmes from Sedia or ministries must be implemented at district level according to schedule," he said, adding that implementation of approved projects was only 60% in 2021 and unlikely to see much improvement in 2022.
He said people want development and if this was not done, the people would be angry at the government and blame the chief minister.
"These projects and investments are for the benefit of the people. We need to help create jobs and overcome their problems at district level," he said.
