KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has pledged to keep improving public service delivery and making sure that all development efforts benefit the people, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Speaking at the Jelajah Taat Setia Madani programme here on Friday (May 9), Hajiji said civil servants play a vital role in the state's development and policy implementation.
He also reminded public servants that their conduct and efficiency reflect the government’s commitment to the people.
“The public is watching how we behave, how we speak, and how we treat them.
"That’s why civil servants must fully embrace the Madani values, not just as a slogan, but in how they work and serve," he said.
The core Madani values are sustainability, well-being, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.
He was joined at the event by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who also addressed over 2,000 state and federal civil servants at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
Hajiji highlighted that close cooperation with Putrajaya has led to numerous initiatives to support Sabahans, including the “Madani Rakyat 2024: Sayangi Sabah” programme that drew nearly half a million visitors.
Other efforts include the formation of 219 community groups under Komuniti Madani and targeted programmes like Ehsan@Kuskop in Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kudat, along with forums aimed at helping people better understand the Madani concept.
The state government, he said, continues to provide support for low-income families and students, among them assistance for university registration (Budi), computer aid (BAIK), and a RM600 flight subsidy for Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
A separate one-off RM300 contribution for local university students under the Sentosa initiative is also in place, Hajiji added.
He said the state is building 3,000 affordable homes worth RM250mil under the Sabah Maju Jaya programme, while its Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programme gives RM300 monthly cash aid each to 100,000 poor and hardcore poor households throughout the year.
On human capital development, Hajiji said the state has increased its education scholarship fund from RM55mil in 2022 to RM128mil this year, describing this as an investment in future leaders and a more competitive workforce.
He urged the nearly 22,000 state civil servants and more than 126,000 federal civil servants in Sabah to help explain government policies and initiatives to the people, especially at the grassroots level.
“Make sure the public knows what the government is doing, not just the planning, but the real programmes being rolled out. The services we provide must be fast, efficient and full of integrity,” he said.
Hajiji also called on Sabahans to put aside political differences and come together to build a better future.
“Political stability is the foundation of prosperity. Let’s move forward in unity, strengthen our solidarity, and renew our commitment to a brighter Sabah,” he said.
