KUCHING: Three new handbooks aimed at strengthening governance, leadership and performance management across Sarawak’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have been introduced as part of ongoing efforts to enhance accountability and organisational effectiveness.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Board Effectiveness Handbook, Performance Management Handbook, and Leadership Development Handbook, produced by the State Financial Secretary’s Office, would provide practical guidance for SOE boards, management teams, and leaders in carrying out their responsibilities more effectively.
“The handbooks complement a broader programme of reforms currently being implemented to strengthen governance standards and improve the performance of SOEs throughout the state,” he said.
“These initiatives reflect a shift towards a more professional ownership model for SOEs, one that places greater emphasis on accountability, stronger governance structures, and improved organisational performance.”
He said this during the ‘Sarawak SOEs Transformation Programme: A Pledge for Good Governance, High Performance and Value Creation’ at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today (June 11).
Abang Johari added that another key initiative introduced was the Roadmap Towards Financial Self-Reliance and High-Performance Playbook.
The initiative aims to provide each participating entity with a practical and customised roadmap tailored to its specific needs, guiding them towards stronger performance, sustainable finances, and long-term value creation.
In the same development, the Sarawak Government has also approved the Sarawak State Ownership Policy (Sarawak SOP), which is regarded as a significant milestone in the reform journey of the state’s SOE sector.
“For the first time, Sarawak has a clearer framework defining the government’s role as an owner, the expectations that SOEs must meet, and the standards that will be used to assess their performance and accountability,” Abang Johari said.
“This policy provides clarity, consistency, and accountability to all parties involved.”
He added that the Sarawak SOP is complemented by the Sarawak Code of Corporate Governance for State-Owned Enterprises, which sets out clear governance expectations for boards of directors and management teams.
According to Abang Johari, the code is based on the principle of ‘comply or explain’, thereby providing a uniform governance standard for all SOEs in the state.
The code covers areas such as board effectiveness, risk management, transparency, information disclosure, and ethical practices to strengthen corporate governance standards among SOEs.
“The combination of these initiatives reflects the state government’s commitment to creating a more competitive, accountable, and resilient SOE ecosystem that can contribute sustainably to Sarawak’s economic development,” Abang Johari said.
