KUCHING: Integrity and sound governance continue to underpin the Sarawak Government’s administration, ensuring that the state’s development progresses transparently, responsibly, and in ways that genuinely benefit the people, ultimately serving as a key driver of Sarawak’s journey towards 2030.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the emphasis on integrity and good governance has remained a priority since 2017, when he first assumed leadership of the state administration.
“The Sarawak GPS Government has placed strong emphasis on fiscal discipline, integrity, good governance, and anti-corruption measures since 2017, when I took office as Premier of Sarawak,” he said.
He delivered this message during the Development Bank of Sarawak Bhd (DBOS) Integrity Day, held at a hotel here on Monday.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the integrity pledge made together with cabinet members serves as a constant reminder of their responsibility to uphold transparency and remain free from any misuse of power.
He also highlighted that the Sarawak Government has strengthened its integrity agenda by requiring all ministries, agencies, statutory bodies, and GLCs to implement the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP).
In addition, the state now has more than 210 Certified Integrity Officers (CeIOs), the highest number in Malaysia to help address corruption risks.
Furthermore, he said the establishment of the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) in 2018 stands as proof of the state’s commitment to improving public complaints mechanisms and independent monitoring.
This was followed by the enactment of the Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, which grants legal authority to investigate and assess the effectiveness of public service delivery.
The Sarawak Premier stressed that a transparent governance environment has contributed to the state’s strong financial performance, growing investor confidence, and the consistent retention of its AAA credit rating, clear evidence of an administration that manages the state’s revenue and assets with integrity.
In line with ongoing efforts to reinforce the state’s integrity framework, the Premier said DBOS has demonstrated its commitment by fostering an ethical work culture as it carries out its mandate for state development.
He noted that integrity forms the foundation of public and stakeholder trust, and for that reason, DBOS must continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
During the event, the Sarawak Premier also witnessed the launch of the Islamic Banking Window, marking another significant milestone for DBOS as it expands its service offerings in accordance with Syariah principles.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Chairman of Sarawak Information System (SAINS) Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, DBOS Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, DBOS Chief Executive Officer, Datu Laura Lee Ngien Hion, and other distinguished dignitaries. - UKASnews
Reporter: Nur Nabilla
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: George S. Embie
