DPM Fadillah: Government welcomes constructive feedback to improve services

KUCHING (March 7): The government welcomes constructive feedback from the public on any shortcomings in its services, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.

He stressed that such feedback is crucial to improving governance and public service delivery.

“If there are shortcomings in our service, we apologise. Give us advice and guidance — don’t be angry behind our backs.

“If you are dissatisfied, you can tell me directly and point out what is not right with the way I work,” he said when speaking at the Uplifting Lives Raya Aidilfitri programme organised by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Yayasan Petronas here.

The Petra Jaya MP noted that Islam encourages advising and reminding one another, citing the principle of ad-dinu nasihah (religion is sincere advice).

“Our religion teaches us to give advice to one another. Through this, we continue to promote goodness in our community,” he said.

He commended Petronas for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, which provide aid to those in need.

According to him, such initiatives reflect the values promoted under the Malaysia Madani framework, particularly ihsan, which emphasises compassion and concern for others.

Fadillah added that caring for the community should not rest solely on elected representatives, but must involve the collective effort of community leaders, NGOs, village committees, and government agencies.

“We must always be aware of the situation in our communities — who needs help, who is facing difficulties, and what assistance is required. Through cooperation, we can ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

He also highlighted Sarawak’s strong spirit of unity and mutual respect among people of different religions and cultural backgrounds, which should continue to be preserved.

“This spirit of caring for one another allows us to build prosperity and wellbeing together for all levels of society,” he said.

Under the Petronas Uplifting Lives Raya Aidilfitri programme, 350 underprivileged families in Petra Jaya will receive essential food baskets and festive treats.

The initiative was organised in collaboration with the Petra Jaya service centre, Kuching District Office, Masjid Ikhwanul Islam committee members, and community leaders from Tupong, Samariang, and Satok.

Petronas Malaysia Petroleum Management Datuk Bacho Pilong handed over festive contributions to Kuching District Officer Zaidi Sharkawi to symbolically launch the programme, witnessed by Fadillah.

Also present was Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.

Bacho said Petronas is implementing similar Hari Raya initiatives for another 1,000 beneficiaries across Sarawak, including Bekenu, Bintawa, Bintulu, Limbang, and Lawas, to ensure broader outreach and ongoing support for rural communities.

“Our commitment in Sarawak is not limited to the month of Ramadan, but is implemented throughout the year through various initiatives that support the community as a whole.

“Previously, in Lundu, 250 B40 families received food basket donations in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.

“In Batu Niah, 200 families from Batu Niah and Bekenu received benefits, with Petronas teams visiting their homes to deliver the assistance in person,” he said.