KAPIT: The entire Sarawak civil service is urged to stand firmly behind the state government leadership to ensure that every policy and various initiatives planned by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg is to able to be best implemented for the benefit of the people.

Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said that the civil service, community leaders and the state cabinet leadership must progress and work as a team in playing their respective roles.

"Our Sarawak Premier has come up with various initiatives, and he strives to implement numerous agendas. We as members of the civil service must always stand firm behind him and go down to the ground to engage with the people to understand their needs.

"This is to ensure that any initiative implemented or planned by our political leadership is carried out as best as possible,” he said during his speech during the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme Official Working Visit to Kapit Division at Rumah Rose, Nanga Sebatu on Thursday.

He explained that such working visits provide an opportunity for the civil service to find out the weaknesses, shortcomings and aspects that need to be improved in the public service delivery system to the community.

He said that the SKS programme was held to bring the government closer to the people through clear explanations of government policies and programmes being carried out.

He said that the move also allows the people to obtain information directly from the heads of departments or deputy heads of departments on various existing initiatives such as free education, welfare assistance and applications for educational assistance.

According to Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar, the heads of departments were brought along by boat intentionally for them to personally see the reality and understand the feelings of the residents in rural areas.

"I also come from the village so I know there are still many shortcomings, but many efforts have been made by the government to help the people.

"When we go down to the field like this, we can identify our weaknesses, areas where we are lacking and where we should improve upon,” he said.

Commenting on the physical development plans, he shared that many developments will follow in the area including road projects and bridge construction in the future that will connect areas on the other side of the river.

Also present were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Kapit Division Resident Elvis Didit, Sibu Division Resident Superi Awang Said as well as heads of other departments and agencies. -UKASnews