KUCHING: Strong integrity and governance are strategic advantages in strengthening investor confidence and ensuring Sarawak’s development continues to progress sustainably in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said investors today assess not only physical infrastructure but also institutional strength, process transparency, policy stability and the level of integrity.

He said that for Sarawak, which is currently implementing various strategic development projects, strong governance has become increasingly important as integrity is now a strategic advantage in the global economy.

“Therefore, Sarawak will continue to strengthen the culture of good governance because integrity is a strategic advantage in the global economy.

“This effort is also in line with the aspirations of the Federal Government through the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which emphasises strengthening integrity, transparency and economic stability,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the Sarawak Construction Industry Integrity and Excellence Day celebration at the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Sarawak here on Thursday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari stressed that integrity was not solely the responsibility of one party, but must be upheld collectively by contractors, consultants, suppliers, technical officers, implementing agencies and all parties involved in the development chain.

He said all parties must ensure that competition in the construction industry is based on merit, capability, innovation and quality, while the success of a project should not be measured merely by the completion of a structure, but also by the value, impact and benefits it brings to the people.

He added that integrity should not rely solely on enforcement, but must instead be built through strong systems, transparent processes and a culture of accountability and trustworthiness.

Also present were Works Minister Dato’ Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia Chairman Dato Ir. Yusuf Abdul Wahab, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak Director Dato Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh, as well as other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photos: Muhd Zulfadli
Translator: Uilson Ng