KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called on civil servants in Sabah to continue supporting the state government amid speculation of an early state election.
The Chief Minister said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-Pakatan Harapan state government still has until September next year to complete its term.
He said the state polls could be held after the term is completed or at any time before it.
“That depends on the Chief Minister, if there is a sign or inspiration to have an early election,” he said during his address to the state and federal civil servants at the Sabah International Convention Centre here yesterday.
“But regardless of the timing, most importantly, it is for public servants, whether state or federal, to fully support the government of the day,” he added.
Hajiji said he was grateful to the civil service for its strong backing and cooperation over the current administration’s policies.
“Their role and responsibilities are not small. Be it the lower ranks or the management level, everyone has a responsibility and role to play,” he said.
Towards this end, Hajiji said the state intended to bring various changes and improvements to the Sabah civil service, with an emphasis on solidifying values such as integrity.
This was proven, he added, with the establishment of the state civil service’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption Policy.
This policy must be given serious attention, he said, as there have been issues with integrity, leakages and abuse of power that regularly occurred in the past involving public servants.
In line with efforts to produce competent and professional staff, he said, the state civil service was constantly planning high-impact training and courses locally and abroad for officers.
Hajiji said as an incentive to civil servants, the state government has also implemented several policies, such as the vacation incentive for eligible officers.
This was to show appreciation to officers who have served 20 or more years, he added.
