Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam being welcomed by wellwishers upon arrival at the 2024 Sabah Local Authority Enforcement Conference in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (Nov 7).
KOTA KINABALU: Reforms are needed in Sabah's local authority enforcement in aspects such as transparency, accountability and integrity, says Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said other areas include the adoption of technology, a community-focused approach, enhanced training, and adherence to sustainable development principles.
“These reforms are crucial to ensure that our enforcement system remains relevant and effective in addressing the new challenges faced by society,” he said Thursday (Nov 7) at the close of the 2024 Sabah Local Authority Enforcement Conference here.
Dr Gunsalam, who is also state Local Government and Housing Minister, urged enforcement officers to conduct themselves with integrity to be accepted and respected within their respective communities.
He said performing their duties boldly and without compromise would ensure that enforcement officers evoke a sense of law and order through their presence.
"This... is essential to ensure that local authority officers in Sabah are respected as they carry out their duties.
“Local authorities must be bold... without abusing power, (and embody) trust, honesty and integrity in every task,” he said.
The conference themed "Transforming Sabah Local Authority Enforcement: Integrity, Transparency, and Care Towards Community Well-being" is the first of its kind since local authorities were established in Sabah.
Dr Gunsalam said he hoped it would inspire enforcement officers across the state.
“I hope it has provided (them with) valuable knowledge... to carry out their duties in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda and the ministry’s strategic direction,” he said.
He noted that the conference was part of ongoing efforts to reform local authority enforcement, focusing on improving effectiveness, efficiency and transparency in response to evolving community needs.
A total of 122 enforcement officers from Sabah attended the three-day conference.
