Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government prioritises and will continue to enhance efforts to foster an innovative culture in order to ensure a speedier, more efficient and effective government service delivery system.
He said innovation in the public sector is closely tied to the process of altering one’s way of thinking and working cooperatively to give outstanding services to the people, particularly in Sabah.
In this regard, he said the State Government made innovation one of the main agendas in empowering the State’s public sector.
He said the public service is the backbone of the State’s development and the main driver of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan through the essence of human capital and the wellbeing of the people.
“Civil servants need to come up with more thoughtful, bold and aggressive ideas in making improvements and innovations in order to achieve the SMJ direction.
“Thus, department heads play a significant role in leading the innovation direction of the agencies they head,” he said at the 2023 Sabah Public Sector Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony (ISAS) at Menara Kinabalu, here, Thursday
According to him, in line with technological changes and the rapid development pattern of the country, government agencies need to constantly take steps to use new and different approaches in implementing certain policies and services.
He said innovation is the heart of a country’s progress and development, in addition to providing new opportunities and possibilities, as well as a driver to move society forward.
“Sabah, a rich State with great potential, is no exception to this fact. Every day, we often see extraordinary progress happening all over the world, both in the private sector and in the field of public service delivery.
“All these changes cannot be achieved without the function and active role of the Government in shaping the future of the State, and innovation is the key to ensure its effectiveness,” he said.
He said Malaysia remains on the 36th position in the Global Innovation Index 2023 since 2022 which demands that the eco-system environment, the way of working in the organisation and the lifestyle of the community needs to be drastically increased to ensure that the country continues to remain competitive through creative and innovative thinking.
Hajiji said the scenario required civil servants to redouble their efforts to create various bursts of innovative ideas in the service delivery system in line with the trend of globalisation that is growing today.
He said ISAS 2023 is proof of the State and Federal Government’s commitment to foster the efficiency and excellence of public institutions in Sabah through creative and innovative activities.
“The platform not only recognises the outstanding efforts of dedicated civil servants but is also a channel for the State and Federal governments to promote innovative thinking and inspire all civil servants to cultivate innovation in the public service.”
Hajiji said the Government appreciates civil servants who never get tired of continuing to innovate to transform the public sector in Sabah.
Also present was State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, among others.
