THE State Government will not hesitate to overhaul any non-performing agencies or government-linked companies (GLCs), said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the Government was in the process of scrutinising several entities for restructuring.
“This is necessary so that they will not bleed the State coffers,” he said at a breaking of fast event with Sabah media practitioners at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, on April 14.
Lauding the media fraternity for raising issues affecting the State and people, Hajiji said: “The State Government appreciates your role in this aspect and I have no doubt the media will continue to keep your ears on the ground and to report relevant issues so that action can be taken. The State Government will do its best to act on them.”
He said the Government was always keeping check and evaluating the performance of its machinery so that it would stay at the optimum level.
“The media also plays an important role in the development of the State and people because media reports are sources of information for the Government at the grassroots level. The Government is thankful to the media for reporting the past, present and future efforts of the Government.
“Even during the recent political crisis in Sabah, the media was among the main information sources for the people to know the actual situation,” said Hajiji.
At the same time, the Chief Minister urged the media to be responsible, professional and to observe ethics in their reporting so that the people would not be confused.
Hajiji also said during the month of Ramadan he had attended breaking of fast events at various places, including in Peninsular Malaysia that were participated by people from all races and religions.
“This clearly shows there is harmony among the people of various races, religions and cultures which must be protected at all costs. Towards this end, the mass media has an important role to play in ensuring unity remains strong and peace is maintained among the multi-racial and religious people in the State. The State Government always hopes that the media will cooperate by providing positive and balanced reporting, apart from protecting religious and racial sensitivity,” he said.
The Chief Minister also called upon the media to continue supporting the Government’s development agenda, especially the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), which is now entering its third year of implementation.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Assistant Ministers, Daily Express Chief Editor Datuk James Sarda, Sabah Journalists Association President Datuk Mugunthan Vanar, Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association Chairman Jimmy Goh, chief editors and bureau chiefs.
