Don't let corruption hinder Sabah Maju Jaya concept, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Initiatives to develop the state under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan will be speedier and more effective if there are no elements of corruption, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The Sabah Chief Minister said if all civil servants and private sector employees carry out their duties with integrity, all development plans under SMJ could be done well.

"Efforts to rid this nation of corrupt practices and strengthen integrity among the people need the commitment and cooperation from all – leaders, civil servants, private sector officials and workers, individuals and family institutions," he said.

Hajiji said under the SMJ development plan, the state government was committed to allocating more funding for three main economic growth elements, namely agriculture; industrialisation and tourism; human capital and people's well-being; as well as infrastructure connectivity and green sustainability.

"This is the state government's efforts to see Sabah's continued growth and be on par with more developed states in this country," Hajiji sadi in a speech delivered by state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong after closing a seminar on integrity at Lintasan Deasoka here on Sunday (Sept 10).

"Integrity and accountability within the public service are vital to ensure all government plans, vision and mission are achieved successfully, more so in this post-pandemic era where economic recovery is still ongoing," Hajiji said.

He said a strong culture of integrity in the civil service would produce a more efficient, productive and ethical workforce.

"Without integrity, there will be leakage, wastage and failed plans – and the image of the government would be tarnished," he said.

Hajiji said people's confidence and trust in the government play an important role in ensuring that policies drawn up can be implemented effectively.

He called on the state secretariat's office to focus on strengthening integrity within the government system. He also urged the private sector, government-linked and statutory bodies to set up their own integrity units as well.