KUCHING: Integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance must be continuously strengthened to ensure Sarawak's development can be carried out effectively and maintain the people's confidence in the government's administrative system.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said that the matter is crucial, in line with Sarawak's path of rapid development through the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

According to him, the implementation of high-impact projects, management of large resources and funds as well as the formation of new economic policies demand a higher level of integrity, transparency, accountability and governance.

"We cannot compromise against any form of weakness, leakage or abuse of power.

"Flaws in governance can not only affect the effectiveness of state development, and more worryingly, can erode people's confidence and trust in the government's administrative system," he said.

He said this during the Strengthening Integrity, Governance and Anticorruption (PINTAR) 2026 Conference Closing Ceremony themed ‘Integriti Teras Kemakmuran Sarawak’ at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday.

Present to officiate the ceremony was Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

Datuk Dr Juanda explained that heads of departments and agency leaders play a role that goes beyond daily administrative duties, including forming a work culture, assessing risks and safeguarding the organisation's policies and dignity from being affected by issues of abuse of power.

According to him, PINTAR 2026 is organised with the aim of strengthening understanding, coordinating approaches and improving capabilities in dealing with governance weaknesses in the service delivery system.

"Through this conference, I hope the participants can gain a more comprehensive perspective in performing their roles as leaders and civil servants, particularly in strengthening the check and balance mechanism, increasing accountability and cultivating the value of integrity in their respective departments and organisations," he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak for successfully organising the conference.

He added that the commitment and cooperation of both parties is very meaningful in efforts to strengthen the culture of integrity in Sarawak.

Datuk Dr Juanda also expressed hope that continuous efforts to strengthen integrity and good governance could act as a driver for the inclusive and sustainable administration of Sarawak. -UKASnews