KUCHING: Sarawak’s civil service must continue to operate in a lean and efficient manner without unnecessary expansion of its workforce, in line with efforts to strengthen governance and service delivery across government agencies.
Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said this during the 'Majlis Bersama Setiausaha Kerajaan Sarawak' ceremony held at the Sarawak Islamic Complex on Friday.
He stressed that any improvements or restructuring within government agencies must prioritise efficiency and productivity rather than increasing staff numbers.
According to him, while agencies may face growing responsibilities, this should not automatically translate into requests for additional personnel, as the civil service must adapt through improved systems and work practices.
“Civil service today must move in a lean manner, and we should not assume that increasing responsibilities require an increase in manpower,” he said.
He explained that excessive expansion could hinder the ability of government institutions to remain agile and responsive to changing demands and expectations.
Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar also highlighted outsourcing as one of the approaches to reduce the operational burden on government agencies, particularly for non-core functions.
“Outsourcing is one of the approaches to reduce the burden on the public service, especially for non-core matters, so that agencies can focus on their main responsibilities,” he said.
At the same time, he reminded civil servants that the trust placed in them by the state’s leadership carries a responsibility to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism.
He added that Islamic agencies, in particular, must continue to lead by example in demonstrating disciplined governance and effective management as Sarawak strengthens its civil service delivery framework.
Also present were Sarawak Islamic Council President Datuk Misnu Taha, Syariah Reference Expert Datu Khalidi Ibrahim, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) Director and MIS Secretary Sahibus Siyadah Mual Suaud, Sarawak Grand Imam Sahibul Fadilah Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi, and Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department Chief Justice Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi, along with other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
