KUCHING: Integrity and accountability must become part of Sarawak’s culture as the state moves towards becoming a developed and high-income region by 2030.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said integrity goes beyond corruption and financial matters, adding that it also involves responsibility, truthfulness, fairness and political ethics.
“Integrity is about doing the right thing, taking responsibility and building good character,” he said during the ‘Jelajah Integriti Sarawak’ programme at Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall in Batu Kawa today (May 21).
Dr Sim said integrity should start from within families, schools and communities before becoming part of society’s wider culture.
“As Sarawak progresses economically, integrity becomes even more important.
“Sarawak’s future development depends not only on economic growth and infrastructure, but also on trust, values and responsible leadership among its people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, said integrity was among the key foundations needed to ensure development is carried out responsibly and transparently.
“Among the characteristics of a developed nation is integrity.
“If we do not have integrity, development and progress will not have meaning,” he said.
Juanda said the Sarawak Government continues bringing integrity awareness programmes across the state under the slogan ‘Dari Sempadan Hingga ke Desa’ (From the borders to the villages), involving communities, village committees, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and grassroots leaders.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Ombudsman institution in Sarawak in 2023, saying it focuses on maladministration issues including abuse of power, delays in service delivery, and failures to follow proper procedures within government agencies.
“For example, if an application is supposed to be completed within 14 working days but remains unresolved for months, the public can report the matter to the Ombudsman for investigation,” he added.
Juanda also reminded recipients of government allocations, including NGOs and village committees, to maintain proper records, receipts and proof of expenditure to ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Also present during the programme were Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
