KUCHING: Senior civil servant Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua, has been named as the new Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration).
Tan who previously served as Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development takes over from Datuk Buckland Bangik who has retired from the Sarawak Civil Service after 37 years of service.
The handover ceremony for the position of Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) was witnessed by Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Tuesday (Jan 6) as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Tan described her appointment as a meaningful milestone, particularly for women in Sarawak, and expressed her gratitude to the Sarawak Government for the trust placed in her.
She said her extensive experience working at the grassroots level for over two decades, including roles as Assistant District Officer, District Officer, Divisional Resident and Director, has shaped her leadership approach, which she will now bring to her new role at the state level.
Acknowledging the responsibilities that come with the position, she called for guidance and cooperation from senior officers, heads of departments and colleagues to ensure the effective implementation of state policies and programmes.
Mohamad Abu Bakar said the handover reflects leadership continuity within the state administration, adding that Buckland’s extensive experience and institutional knowledge remain valuable in supporting the collective work of the Sarawak Civil Service.
He recalled the long public service journey of Tan, who began her career as an Administrative Officer (Pegawai Tadbir) in Sibu in 1993 before serving in several districts including Sarikei and Sri Aman, and later holding key leadership roles at both divisional and state departmental levels.
He said merit, performance and teamwork remain the core principles guiding career advancement within the Sarawak Civil Service, adding that the increasing presence of women in senior administrative positions reflects an inclusive and equitable system free from gender bias.
“Good performance will always be recognised. If you perform well, there will be opportunities regardless of whether you are a man or a woman,” he said, urging senior officers to continue working together in unity and mutual respect.
In his remarks, Buckland expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government and his colleagues for their cooperation and trust throughout his service.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork in the civil service, noting that while individuals may move fast on their own, collective effort enables an organisation to progress further and more sustainably.
“I truly believe teamwork is very important. Whatever challenges we face, we manage them together,” he said.
Also present were Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Attorney General Datuk Seri Saferi Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datuk Hii Chang Kee, heads of departments, as well as other distinguished guests.
