KUCHING: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian wants Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to uphold the highest standard of integrity and professionalism in serving the city and its people.
Dr Sim said, being the largest city council in the state, MBKS must reflect Sarawak’s “strong emphasis on the integrity of the public service”.
He said he would like to see MBKS adhere to the three key principles that he told them two years ago, namely Integrity, Accountability and Transparency.
“I, therefore, expect MBKS staff to uphold the highest standard of integrity and professionalism,” he said during MBKS ‘Thank You’ night at a hotel on Thursday.
“MBKS staff must live up to the people’s expectations to make Kuching city our beloved city and home,” he said.
Dr Sim added efforts must be made to raise staff awareness of the high standard of integrity expected of them.
He said initiatives such as encouraging divisions to hold briefings for their staff and to tie in with the promulgation of departmental guidelines would help raise integrity level.
He also spoke of systems and processes needed to achieve ISO standards.
He said internal audits must regularly review and strengthen measures and internal controls either to address weaknesses or adapt to new circumstances.
“Beyond systems and processes, it is values, beliefs and culture that define the staff and how they carry out their duties. The staff must be anchored in and driven by the core values of Integrity, Service and Excellence,” he said.
He added MBKS management teams must be made aware that the tone that they set in MBKS would affect the work culture.
He further said that their personal demonstration of the values of integrity and accountability would help the staff to understand the importance of these values and the types of conduct which were acceptable.
He said management must help staff to apply acceptable values and conduct in their daily work.
He warned that even with tight systems and processes, and efforts to build strong values, there may be people who would try to circumvent the rules.
He said he was satisfied to learn that MBKS viewed every case of misconduct seriously and did not hesitate to take firm action, including prosecuting cases vigorously wherever appropriate.
He also called on MBKS to also work diligently with cost effectiveness.
