KUCHING: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Sarawak Civil Service must be guided by the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability to ensure the technology is utilised responsibly in improving the efficiency of government service delivery.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said while AI offers significant opportunities for improving efficiency and innovation, its utilisation also introduces governance risks including information manipulation, data leaks, algorithmic bias and potential misuse in decision-making processes.

“AI should strengthen the civil service’s capacity to make decisions based on accurate information, however, the responsibility for those decisions remains with the officials and authorities entrusted to make them,” he said.

He spoke at the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG) 2026 Integrity Day celebration held here on Tuesday.

According to the MPHLG Minister, government officers must verify the accuracy and reliability of any AI-generated information before using it as a basis for drafting policy papers, conducting financial assessments, preparing technical reports or formulating administrative proposals.

In this regard, heads of departments and senior officials must ensure the use of such technology within their respective organisations complies with established policies and security requirements while also fostering greater AI literacy among civil servants.

“Officers must validate the accuracy and reliability of such information before utilising it as a foundation for official decision-making processes,” he added.

In a related development, Datuk Amar Dr Sim stated that MPHLG is also placing emphasis on strengthening institutional integrity through the implementation of an Organisational Anti-Corruption Strategy (OACS) to identify corruption risks and address weaknesses in administrative procedures.

Among the areas requiring attention include procurement, contract management, finance, licensing and enforcement, all of which are potentially vulnerable to corruption risks or conflicts of interest.

He stressed that the responsibility for upholding integrity does not rest solely with the Integrity and Ombudsman Unit but instead must be shared across all levels of organisational leadership, including heads of departments, senior officers and division heads.

At the same time, he encouraged local authorities to continue digitalising their services and integrating existing systems and applications to support the implementation of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Eisner Nala
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Nerissa Sia