KUCHING: All Certified Integrity Officers (CeIOs) in the Sarawak Civil Service are now required to report directly to the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) under a new governance mechanism aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and the management of non-compliance issues.
State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, said the directive marks a significant step in reinforcing integrity across the state civil service by ensuring that non-compliance cases are independently monitored and addressed.
“I have directed that CeIOs must report directly to UNIONS, rather than solely to their respective heads of department. UNIONS, in turn, will report directly to me to ensure that any non-compliance issues are identified and rectified,” he added.
“As Head of the Sarawak Civil Service, I will continue to support all efforts to make integrity an integral part of our organisational culture.
“We must set an example for others and work as one team because integrity is essential in ensuring that every action we take meets the needs of the people and delivers the best possible public service.”
Abu Bakar said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Certified Integrity Officer (CeIO) Summit 2026 at Damai Beach Resort on Thursday (July 30).
He said the enhanced reporting structure would enable non-compliance issues to be identified and resolved more transparently, while further embedding a culture of integrity throughout the public service.
He added that strengthening integrity also requires a more comprehensive approach through effective reporting mechanisms and stronger internal audit functions to ensure all policies, procedures and work practices comply with established regulations.
He also called on members of the Sarawak Civil Service to embrace the 3R approach – Revisit, Rethink and Recharge – to ensure government policies, procedures and work processes remain relevant amid rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, and rising public expectations for quality service delivery.
