KUCHING: Civil servants in Sarawak are urged to emulate the high integrity culture practised in Sweden, Norway and Finland, to ensure the state administration continues to stay on the right track.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said these countries have proven that a culture of integrity can be the foundation for good governance and the well-being of the people.
“Sweden has made the ombudsman system part of its national culture for over 100 years, making integrity an integral part of its people’s lives.
“Norway, for example, only started extracting oil from the North Sea about 30 years ago, but today it has the world’s richest sovereign wealth fund, thanks to good financial management and high integrity,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Integrity Day 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Thursday.
He said the extraordinary achievements of Nordic countries should serve as an example for Sarawak civil servants, especially in ensuring the proper implementation of government policies with full accountability.
“They enjoy good salaries, free education for their children, and the latest technologies despite having relatively small populations.
“Norway, with a population of five million – almost the same as ours (Sarawak nearly three million) – has progressed because integrity is deeply ingrained in its society,” he said.
Abang Johari also expressed appreciation to all Sarawak’s civil servants for their continued commitment in carrying out their responsibilities.
“I am grateful because civil servants in Sarawak are full of integrity. I believe we can fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to us to develop Sarawak,” he said.
