Integrity Is Not A Slogan, Sarawak Aims To Progress The Right Way
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring state development is driven by integrity, transparency, and public trust through the Community Integrity Building (CIB) Awareness Programme held at the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS) Hall on Sunday.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts as well as Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the programme is more than just an awareness event; it serves as a clear signal of Sarawak's intent.
"Today is not just a programme. This is a signal that Sarawak not only wants to progress, but wants to progress the right way. Not just looking good on the outside, but strong from within so that the people can trust us," he said during his officiating speech.
He further explained that integrity must not be seasonal or dependent on constant supervision, but should instead be woven into the culture of the administrative system and daily life.
According to the Minister, the true test of integrity occurs when an individual chooses to do the right thing even without oversight.
"Integrity isn't just when there are cameras, audits, or media attention. Integrity is when even when no one is watching, we still do what is right," he remarked.
The Minister clarified that integrity encompasses efficiency in resolving public complaints, adherence to project specifications, the prudent use of power, and the ability to fulfill promises.
"The people can accept a bitter answer, but the people find it hard to accept a 'dead silence.' That is why integrity must be translated through actions and solutions, not just statements," he added.
He also highlighted the importance of the "co-monitoring" approach at the heart of the CIB Programme, which positions the community as a strategic partner to Local Authorities (PBT) and implementing agencies.
"If everyone moves individually, issues become long. If everyone moves together, issues become short. In today's system, we want issues to be short, not the people to become tired," he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Dato’ Murshid Diraja Datuk Dr. Juanda Jaya, described the program as a comprehensive social reform effort.
"Integrity is not a slogan, it is not a decoration on a banner. Integrity is a culture that lives in daily decisions, in how we carry out our trust, and in the courage to correct weaknesses openly," he said.
He emphasised that public complaints should be seen as a vital source of data to improve service delivery, noting that "when integrity is strong, public trust in institutions will increase, and when trust increases, service delivery will become more effective and organised."
The event was also attended by the Director of the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS), Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman, IIM Chief Operations Officer, Harisham Ibrahim, MPKS Deputy Chairman, Kr Daily Joseph, and Samarahan Division Resident representative, Rahimah Salwa Hamdan.-UKASnews
