KUCHING: There is good news in store for civil servants in Sarawak in the upcoming budget session of the state legislative assembly, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"Just now, I heard murmurs about whether there will be a bonus. God willing, I will announce it during the budget session," he said at the state civil service day celebration on Thursday (Nov 20).
The Sarawak Legislative Assembly will sit from Nov 24 to Dec 3, with the state budget expected to be tabled on the first day.
The bonus for civil servants is usually announced during Abang Johari's winding-up speech on the last day of the session.
Last year, he announced a two-month bonus for state civil servants and RM700 for federal civil servants in Sarawak.
Abang Johari also said the state government would continue to strengthen the civil service's capabilities in governance, digital transformation, data-driven policymaking and people-centric innovation.
In line with this, he said Sarawak had established partnerships with leading global institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford universities and the London School of Economics to provide training in leadership, governance and public policy.
"These efforts ensure that the public sector remains adaptive, forward-looking and aligned with Sarawak's long-term development goals," he said.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak State Ownership Policy will be tabled in the coming budget session to enhance the management of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
He said the policy will establish a clear framework for professional asset management and better coordination, ensuring that SOEs contribute fully to Sarawak's long-term priorities.
"Complementing this, a corporate governance code for SOEs will also be introduced to reinforce accountability, efficiency and performance," he said.
He added that a strong governance framework and clear policy direction would enable SOEs to operate efficiently and transparently in alignment with Sarawak's development goals.
"Looking ahead, our SOEs must continue generating sustainable financial returns, delivering public value and fostering stronger collaboration with the private sector to unlock greater economic opportunities," he said.
