Collaboration Between State Leaders and Civil Servants Revives Economy and Public Welfare
20 February 2025
KOTA KINABALU: The close collaboration between state leaders and civil servants has resulted in significant achievements, particularly in the recovery of the economy and the welfare of the populace.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor stated that as the driving force behind the machinery of government, civil servants are the heart of the administration, executing all the policies and development programmes that have been established.
He emphasised that without the commitment of civil servants from various sectors, who are responsible for implementing policies and managing the delivery system, administrative affairs would falter, leading to losses for both the people and the state, and eventually causing the government to suffer consequences due to inefficiency or weakness in governance.
He underscored the importance of integrity among civil servants, noting that these core values serve as a safeguard against falling into disgrace and hardship caused by misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and similar issues.
According to him, civil servants bear a significant trust and responsibility that must be fulfilled with sincerity, honesty, and awareness.
“Therefore, it is our obligation to carry out the responsibilities placed upon us to the best of our ability, without considering personal interests or seeking profits from our duties.
“It is essential to remember that you have an obligation to perform your duties with dedication and honesty, efficiently and effectively—not merely to support yourself and your family, but also for the benefit and excellence of the organisation you represent, including your obligations to the state and its people.
“This is a heavy responsibility, and it can only be fulfilled adequately if we possess high values of integrity,” he commented during the Chief Minister’s New Year 2025 address to civil servants at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday.
Hajiji noted that civil servants in high positions, much like politicians, are often the focus of attention, particularly in today's climate where CCTV is ubiquitous, and sometimes it is the public themselves who act as a form of surveillance.
“Thus, it is crucial to be cautious in carrying out the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to you. In this age dominated by technological advancements in recording, every step we take and every word we say may be heard or recorded without our knowledge, leading to an alarming intrusion into our privacy.
“In this modern era of sophistication, we must remain vigilant to avoid being caught in situations that could bring disgrace. Nowadays, if our adversaries are angered, that anger can be broadcast live on platforms like TikTok. If someone is critical or hateful, they will viralise that hatred on social media, exposing it to the entire world. This approach is often emulated by those opposed to the government, particularly opposition parties,” he remarked.
Hajiji stated that politicians are more likely to be belittled, jeered at, and even verbally assaulted, sometimes accompanied by defamatory videos and allegations intended to deceive and mislead the public.
In this regard, he reminded civil servants to be more cautious with the information they encounter today, ensuring verification, authenticity, and filtration before believing and spreading it on social media.
“This reminder is particularly directed at all civil servants who are also parents, especially those with teenage children, whose activities on platforms like TikTok and social media should be closely monitored. We must be vigilant to prevent them from becoming ensnared in scams, the dissemination of false information, or defamation of any sort.
“However, all of this stems from a societal culture that favours sensational stories, gossip, slander, and superstition, while narratives pertaining to religion, economics, and unity receive far less attention, as they tend not to be sensational or appealing.
“Therefore, we must be cautious with the advancements and sophistication of digital technology. Its explosion has the potential to undermine the noble values of our lives, including in how we carry out our responsibilities and duties as leaders and civil servants,” he asserted.
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