Tuaran: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor reminded district officers (DO), assistant district officers (ADO) and municipal council presidents to carry out their duties with integrity and transparency, especially when it comes to implementing development projects.
He said they must also fully cooperate with government people’s representatives and keep them informed about development projects approved by the State and Federal Governments in their respective areas.
“The DOs are crucial officers in the districts who must cooperate with government people’s representatives and not withhold information, particularly regarding government development projects,” he said when officiating the 2024 Sabah District Officers Conference, here, Thursday.
“Government people’s representatives may be aware of development projects funded through State Assemblymen or Member of Parliament allocations, but they may not know about other government-funded projects.
SPONSORED CONTENT 40pc involves the Constitution: Hajiji Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government will not bow down from pursuing its 40% revenue entitlement, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Read more “I have also instructed the state development officers to inform the elected representatives about the projects and allocations from the Federal Government that are being channelled to their areas and districts.
“This is because I received complaints from people’s representatives that they are not being informed about these matters.”
He said he received numerous complaints from the public in several districts regarding the lack of transparency or integrity among DOs, ADOs and government officers, particularly concerning the implementation of small projects crucial to the Government’s efforts to eradicate poverty.
“Therefore, I hope DOs and ADOs will focus on and emphasise aspects of integrity and transparency.
“What is essential is that we streamline the processes related to implementing small projects because the people are in great need.
“As officers who are always on the ground, the people are watching us.
“If there are shortcomings or leaks in implementing government programmes in the districts, the representatives and the Government will feel the implications as the people will criticise them.
“We need to make things easier for the people when they come to us.
“Do not delay approvals, not only in the implementation of small projects but also in the issuance of licences and so on, because these matters are related to the people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Hajiji noted that the Government’s effectiveness depends on its officers, especially those on the ground, as they are the ones the people meet with for various matters.
“If a matter can be resolved quickly, do not take too long, up to one or two months, to fix or approve it, as this will have a negative impact on the Government.
“I want to remind you that I will not compromise.
“If I find elements of deliberate delays in the implementation of development projects, causing difficulties for the people, including taking advantage for personal gain, and if there is clear evidence, I will take firm action against those officers.
“The Government wants success in implementing the Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap.
“Soon we will face elections, and there are many issues related to the people that we need to resolve.
“I hope they will not only enhance integrity and transparency but also efficiency in managing district offices, ministries, and other departments,” he said.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim said the theme of the conference is “Driving District Administrative Management towards Sabah Maju Jaya.”
“This theme is highly appropriate given the State Government’s current aspirations.
“The organisation of this conference is an effort by the Ministry to provide an opportunity for district officers to communicate and exchange ideas and experiences to strengthen district administrative management further,” he said.
In addition, he said the conference also offers district officers the chance to interact directly with the Government’s top leadership.
“The Ministry’s role will always involve discussing the responsibility for the people’s welfare and the State’s prosperity.
“This year, the Ministry’s primary focus is on development programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people and eradicating rural poverty.
“The Ministry will continue to empower and enhance the implementation of programmes and introduce new initiatives, especially those that generate income for rural communities.
“This Ministry can organise programmes that generate income so that many rural communities do not fall into the cycle of poverty.”
Also present were Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Samad Jambri, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, among others.
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