Kota Kinabalu: Organisations will produce desired results if staff are loyal, have respect for the hierarchy of authority, stick to principles and be professional.
That was the advice to staff at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment by outgoing Minister Datuk Christina Liew at a Farewell Appreciation Luncheon held in her honour at Mariott, Tuesday.
“From my observation over the last three years, what is equally important is to reinforce your strengths and rectify weaknesses (if any).
“Uphold the attributes of being credible, resourceful and resilient amid any challenges that come your way.
"Turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and development. Be responsible, accountable and transparent in order to build a reputation of integrity for the Ministry and its departments and agencies to gain public respect, trust and confidence,” she said and thanked them for their unwavering commitment, support and cooperation during her tenure.
A special video dubbed “Trip Down Memory Lane” was prepared by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and screened, featuring her significant contributions to the nation’s tourism industry in general, and to Sabah’s in particular.
Among the highlights were Liew’s overseas engagements to promote Sabah as a premier tourist destination in Australia, China, South Korea, Singapore and at the ITB Berlin in Germany and World Travel Mart in London, implementation of new tourism products such as the Elephant Food Corridor in Kinabatangan, Sandakan and the Sabah Cultural Complex in Kinarut, Papar, upgrading of the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary, focus on Unesco world heritage sites in Sabah, improvements to existing tourism facilities, and strong support for community-based tourism.
The Caretaker Minister recalled that three years ago, by a political twist of fate, she re-joined the Ministry.
She said the three years were eventful, productive and rewarding from the perspectives of tourism growth and development, preservation of Sabah’s historical and cultural heritage, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
“I could not have accomplished the Ministry’s strategic goals and objectives alone. I could not have successfully implemented the Ministry’s development agenda without teamwork,” she said and thanked her assistant Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Also Ministry’s senior officials, officers and staff as well as the heads of departments and agencies under the Ministry.
