Kota Kinabalu: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar emphasised that civil servants in Sabah play a crucial role as agents of change and are a key pillar in ensuring administrative stability, particularly in implementing the public service reform agenda.
Speaking at the Sabah State-level Jelajah Taat Setia (Loyalty Tour) Programme at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Friday, he said administrative reforms must be tailored to the local realities of the State, which has vast geography and its own logistical challenges.
“Civil servants in Sabah must not only be efficient and competent but also flexible and creative in delivering services to the people,” he said.
Sabah is the second host for the nationwide tour series, following Negeri Sembilan in March.
Shamsul Azri also outlined five key pillars of the reform initiative introduced since September 2024, including the internalisation of values and governance, organisational development and strengthening public-private synergy.
He said that loyalty to the nation, integrity and professionalism are essential elements to ensure the success of the reform agenda, especially as the country faces numerous global challenges across economic, political, security and humanitarian fronts.
“In the context of Sabah, which is rich in cultural diversity and social backgrounds, inclusive values and mutual respect must always be cultivated,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of integrity among civil servants, stressing that patriotism must not merely be symbolic, but demonstrated through honesty, the courage to reject corruption and a strong commitment to delivering quality service.
“Although it may only involve a small minority, acts such as misappropriating funds, leaking information and misusing social media tarnish the image of the entire organisation,” he said.
Shamsul Azri urged civil servants in Sabah to make integrity the foundation of their work and to practise the values of Malaysia Madani in their daily duties, thereby setting an example for other states.
He also highlighted the importance of productivity in response to the trust placed in the civil service, not merely in physical terms, but through efficiency, innovation and optimal use of technology.
“Sabah has the potential to become a model state with the most productive civil servants, not because of complete facilities, but due to their strong spirit and desire to serve,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM) for successfully organising the programme, describing it as a platform to instil national values and strengthen the spirit of loyalty among civil servants.
“In these challenging times, we are the last line of defence for national stability. Serve sincerely and with full dedication,” he said.
