Kota Kinabalu: Close cooperation between State leadership and civil servants has led to significant achievements, particularly in economic recovery and people’s wellbeing.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said as the driving force behind the Government’s machinery, civil servants are the backbone of the administration, responsible for implementing all policies and development programmes.
He advised them to carry out their responsibilities to the best of their ability, without self-interest or seeking personal gain.
“Not just to earn a livelihood for yourself and your family but also for the success of the organisation you represent, as well as your responsibility to the State and its people.
“This is a heavy responsibility, and it can only be carried out effectively if we uphold the highest values of integrity,” he said at the 2025 New Year Address by the Chief Minister with Civil Servants in Sabah ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Hajiji noted that high-ranking civil servants, like politicians, are always in the public eye. In today’s world, surveillance cameras (CCTVs) are everywhere, and sometimes, the people themselves act as the cameras.
“Therefore, we must be cautious in carrying out our duties and responsibilities. In this era of advanced recording technology, our every move and word may be heard or recorded without our knowledge, leading to increasing invasions of privacy.
“We must be vigilant and cautious to avoid being caught in compromising situations. Nowadays, if someone is angry with us, their outburst may be broadcast live on TikTok.
“If they criticise or harbour hatred, they will spread it virally on social media for the whole world to see. This approach is often adopted by anti-government groups, especially the opposition,” he said.
Hajiji pointed out that politicians are more prone to being ridiculed, mocked or even subjected to slander and false accusations, sometimes through misleading videos designed to deceive and mislead the public.
He reminded civil servants to be more discerning when receiving information, ensuring its verification, accuracy and reliability before believing or sharing it on social media.
“This reminder also applies to all civil servants who are parents of teenagers, who should monitor their children’s activities on TikTok and social media. They must ensure their children do not fall into scams, the spread of false information or slander.
“All of this stems from our society’s tendency to be drawn to sensational stories — gossip, slander and superstitions — while topics related to religion, economics and unity receive little attention because they are not sensational or entertaining.”
