KUCHING: Integrity should not be viewed solely through the lens of financial misconduct or corruption, but must also encompass broader elements such as trustworthiness, governance, discipline and accountability in carrying out entrusted duties and authority.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the establishment of the Sarawak Ombudsman reflects the state government’s commitment to practising integrity at every level, particularly in safeguarding the welfare of the people.
“When a government upholds integrity, it is able to look after the wellbeing of its people including providing free education, assisting with the cost of living and ensuring healthcare support as the population ages.
“The people should not have to live in constant worry over who will finance their children’s education or care for them in the future.
“This is what we want to establish through the new Sarawak, which is a society that is more secure, assured and prosperous,” he said when speaking to officiate the ‘Jelajah Integriti Sarawak’ Series 46, No. 3, here on Thursday.
Datuk Amar Dr Sim added that the culture of integrity must be instilled down to the grassroots so that it evolves into a shared societal value and way of life.
He noted that tolerating minor wrongdoing or misconduct deemed insignificant could eventually develop into a harmful norm if left unchecked.
Meanwhile at the same event, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya stressed that development carried out by the state government must be grounded in integrity and conducted in accordance with existing laws.
"This is the Sarawak Government that exists today. That is why when we talk about integrity, it is not just ensuring development can be implemented, but also ensuring every development is brought about in a correct, transparent manner and in compliance with the rules and laws that have been set,” he said.
Also present were Batu Kitang Assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, Director of the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman, Deputy Chief Ombudsman of Sarawak Alexander Unya Ambon and other dignitaries. -UKASnews
