Be knowledgeable, CM tells GRS elected reps

Kota Kinabalu: All Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) elected representatives must equip themselves with the latest information and fully understand the policies at both state and central levels, said Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor.

He said it was important for them to be knowledgeable as they would be more respected and people would have confidence in them.

“In this era of modern technology, whatever happens will immediately spread and go viral. So as government leaders, we must always be prepared to equip ourselves with the latest information, especially with important facts.

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“All elected representatives must also understand the issues raised before taking action or making statements on mainstream or social media. We must also make ourselves clear and give accurate information to avoid confusion among the people. 

“Nowadays the people’s minds are different from before as our youths are more educated and have acquired global skills,” he said.

He said this when officiating the GRS Backbenchers Conference at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, Tuesday.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam; GRS Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Sabah Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers.

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The conference was organised by the GRS Backbenchers Club together with Sabah Civil Service Department (JPAN) and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS).

Hajiji added that virtual communication has become a new habit at all levels of society, especially among the younger generation today.

“This will definitely be a challenge to elected representatives who have not grasped the skills in line with the change in trend. 

“Virtual office and small office and home office (Soho) have also become increasingly important and widespread with the availability of various online applications to facilitate and expedite work and communication.

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“As such, I hope that GRS Backbenchers Club activities will continue to become a field for mindset growth, to gain knowledge and experience for the sake of the people and the State,” he said.