Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya striking the gong to open Sarawak-level national anti-corruption strategy conference in Kuching on Thursday (Nov 6). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is committed to developing a culture of integrity, good governance and accountability in the state's administration, says a state leader.
Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said this commitment was reflected in initiatives such as establishing the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit and the Sarawak Ombudsman institution, as well as implementing the certified integrity officer programme in state agencies.
"We are serious about integrity, not merely as a slogan but as a part of our administrative culture," he said when opening the Sarawak-level national anti-corruption strategy conference here on Thursday (Nov 6).
Juanda said integrity was also a key component of the state's post-Covid development strategy, which emphasises good governance, accountability and transparency.
He said this would ensure that every Sarawakian enjoys equitable development when policies and decisions are made transparently without personal interests or external influences.
Juanda added that integrity must become part of the culture and DNA of every organisation.
In this respect, he called for cooperation between the government, the private sector and academia to form a sustainable ecosystem to fight corruption.
"Integrity does not lie only in policies and documents; it must be part of our daily practice, from the decisions we make to time management and interactions with others.
"What we discuss at this conference will only be meaningful if it is translated into concrete actions at the workplace," he added.
