KUCHING: The mere talk of Sarawak transforming its civil service into one that is "future ready" would not go down well with the people if there is nothing to show for it, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"The people of Sarawak expect to see tangible results. They want roads and essential infrastructure completed, public services that are accessible and reliable, greater economic opportunities and improvements in their quality of life," the caretaker Premier said in a ceremony marking Civil Service Day here on Wednesday (Nov 4).
He said their gathering at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) to mark their day is therefore not merely about celebrating past achievements.
Abang Johari said it should serve as a platform for them to evaluate their direction, strengthen their resolve and "shape a collective aspiration to build a Sarawak Civil Service that is progressive, competitive and ready to face future challenges and needs".
"All these require us to look beyond activities undertaken and outputs produced, and place greater emphasis on outcomes, impact and the value created for the people."
A future-ready civil service, Abang Johari added, must be results-oriented, accountable and committed to continuous improvement.
To reach those lofty goals, he said the civil service therefore must have the courage to challenge established practices when they no longer serve their intended purpose, the discipline to make evidence-based decisions and the determination to see our commitments through to completion.
"For Sarawak, this means more than adapting to new technologies. It means anticipating change, responding to challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
"Above all, it means translating our aspirations into tangible results that improve the lives of Sarawakians."
This year, Abang Johari pointed out, also marks an important milestone in Sarawak's development journey.
It is the year the state enters the second and final phase of a key development policy - implementing its Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) - in tandem with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), he said.
The 13MP covers the period from 2026 to 2030.
"Over the years, we have built important foundations for Sarawak's future through investments in infrastructure and connectivity, human capital and economic development."
However, he said the final run-in to 2030 demands greater urgency, stronger execution and a sharper focus on the outcomes the government has committed to achieve.
Abang Johari said the future-ready Sarawak Civil Service has to be "agile, innovative, accountable and responsive to the needs of our people".
Expectations are greater and challenges more complex, he added, and the success of the state’s development agenda will depend not only on the resources it invested in or the plans it formulated, but also on the strength and ability of the civil service to turn aspirations into reality.
