Structural Reforms Planned To Strengthen Civil Service & Attract Young Talent
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is undertaking structural reforms to reshape the public service and strengthen the role of the private sector in driving the state’s economy.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the move aims to ensure a leaner administration while creating a more competitive employment ecosystem for young Sarawakians.
Speaking during the Townhall '9 Tahun Bersama Premier Sarawak' at the Satok Ballroom, Hikmah Exchange on Tuesday, he said the public service operates within established general orders and parameters, while the private sector plays a central role in developed economies due to its flexibility, performance-based systems and higher remuneration structures.
“In this matter, I am discussing with the Sarawak Secretary and the civil service on how to move towards lean administration, because our economy must be managed by the private sector,” he said.
He said Sarawak is strengthening the role of Sarawak-owned enterprises (SOEs) as part of a broader structural reform to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
“These are government-owned companies, but they are managed through private sector mechanisms, allowing them to operate competitively and not be tied to conventional civil service structures,” he said.
He said such enterprises are performance-driven, with management evaluated based on results and dividend contributions to the government, similar to commercially run government-linked companies in developed countries.
Among the SOEs cited were Sarawak Energy, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and other strategic entities, which he said are expected to function as key economic players while delivering sustainable returns to the state.
He added that this approach allows talent to be rewarded based on performance, while ensuring accountability, efficiency and long-term economic resilience for Sarawak.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and wife Dato Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang, deputy ministers, heads of departments and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
