S'wak Tourism Board launches integrity policies book

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is stepping up its commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability with the launch of its integrity policies book.

State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the book outlined important aspects of administration and management, including due diligence and policies covering conflict of interest.

"These integrity policies are another important step within STB's five-year organisational anti-corruption plan launched last year, which aligns with the state government's directive for statutory bodies to develop their respective plans.

"This initiative will serve as a robust management tool, anchoring our organisational culture in integrity.

"It not only aids in corruption prevention but also identifies structural weaknesses, risk factors and appropriate treatment," he said when launching the book at STB's Integrity Day here on Thursday (Dec 7).

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Abdul Karim also said STB's efforts to instil integrity were in line with Sarawak's establishment of an ombudsman institution to provide independent oversight of state service agencies.

He said Sarawak was the first state in Malaysia to set up an ombudsman, following the Sarawak Legislative Assembly's passing of the Ombudsman Bill on Nov 20.

"This will elevate the accountability standards in public administration and enhance transparency in government agencies.

"It will also ensure that elements of checks and balances are in place and enable the government to improve its public delivery systems and procedures," he said.

STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said the new due diligence and conflict of interest policies were important to guide the organisation's ethical behaviour.

"Every employee, from the leadership to team members, is expected to adhere to the policies, procedures and guidelines outlined within," she said.

Sharzede later led the STB employees to recite a corruption-free pledge.