Seek redeployment if unable to perform duties effectively, CM tells Sabah civil servants

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 30): Any Sabah government officer or personnel who feel they are no longer able to perform their duties effectively should inform their superiors or the Chief Minister so that redeployment can be considered, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He said such a move would help create room for improvement, strengthen the capability of the public service and ensure that the interests of the people remain the top priority.

Hajiji stressed that civil servants are not merely executors of instructions, but strategic partners to the government leadership in translating state policies and programmes into tangible outcomes.

“Civil servants are not merely those who simply order. They are strategic partners in implementing policies and programmes that have a direct impact on the lives of the people and the progress of our beloved state,” he said.

Addressing state civil servants at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Friday, Hajiji emphasised that the public service is the backbone of stability and effectiveness in government administration.

“Governments may change and policies may be adjusted, but the public service remains professional, neutral and people-oriented,” he said, adding that civil servants must stay united and steadfast, guided by discipline, integrity and a strong spirit of service.

He said the state government is committed to establishing a more orderly, structured and disciplined administration, warning that unethical conduct not only tarnishes an individual’s reputation but also affects families, institutions and may result in losses to the state and the nation.

To strengthen integrity within the public service, Hajiji said the state government, through the State Public Service Department, is in the process of obtaining integrated certification for the Quality Management System (MS ISO 9001:2015) and the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS 37001:2025).

“This will strengthen organisational governance and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability,” added Hajiji.

Hajiji also reminded that efforts to improve efficiency in public service delivery must extend beyond government departments to include statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs).

In another development, he expressed gratitude to the people of Sabah for giving Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) the mandate to continue leading the state for a second term following the 17th State Legislative Assembly election.

He said Sabah is now in a far stronger position compared to five years ago, with improved political stability, economic strength and people’s well-being.

“With Sabah now on the right track, tighter monitoring is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of administration,” he said, expressing confidence that close cooperation between state leadership and the civil service would sustain momentum over the next five years.

Hajiji noted that recent political developments have strengthened the state government’s position, enabling it to secure a two-thirds majority in the State Legislative Assembly and ensuring the political stability needed for long-term development.

He said this stability allows the state government to consider constitutional amendments, including proposals to limit the Chief Minister’s tenure to two terms or 10 years, increase the number of state Cabinet members, and rebrand the post of Assistant Minister as Deputy Minister to better reflect current administrative needs.

Hajiji added that the restructuring of ministries, departments, government agencies and GLCs is underway to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in service delivery.

“This is in line with the aspirations of the people and the government’s development agenda under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan,” he said, adding that the state government will continue to strengthen cooperation with the federal government to safeguard the interests and well-being of Sabahans.