Turn plans into tangible results in 2026, State Secretary tells S’wak civil service

KUCHING (March 5): The Sarawak civil service must turn planning into tangible results this year, as 2026 marks a decisive phase in the state government’s development agenda, said State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

In his monthly address to the state civil service, he said the year represents a turning point, where performance and delivery will be closely measured by outcomes achieved on the ground.

He noted that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had earlier emphasised that 2026 would be a crucial year for the government’s delivery system.

“This year will determine whether all the plans under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 can truly be translated into tangible results that are felt by the people,” he said.

Mohamad Abu Bakar expressed appreciation to Sarawak and federal civil servants for their commitment and dedication despite increasingly demanding workloads.

He said the public service must be prepared to face growing challenges amid an uncertain global environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifts in international trade policies and disruptions to global supply chains.

He described the conditions as a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) environment, requiring the Sarawak civil service to act strategically, swiftly, and with greater preparedness.

“To address these challenges, the principles of ‘3R’ – Revisit, Rethink and Recharge – should guide efforts to strengthen organisational capacity, improve work processes and ensure more effective service delivery,” he said.

Mohamad Abu Bakar also emphasised the need for heads of departments to take a more proactive role in project implementation, including resolving issues that cut across agencies and departments.

He said the ability to manage such cross-agency challenges effectively is an important indicator of good governance.

He urged civil servants to strengthen collaborative work culture and avoid working in silos, noting that practical and effective solutions require collective efforts across agencies.

Effective communication, he added, is crucial to ensure government policies are uniformly understood from the central level down to the implementation stage.

“Without proper coordination, data will remain merely as reports rather than forming the basis for effective decisions,” he said.

Despite challenges posed by global uncertainties and rising public expectations, Mohamad Abu Bakar expressed confidence that the Sarawak Civil Service could remain resilient through the spirit of “SCS One Team”.

Touching on the ongoing Ramadan month, he said the period serves as a reminder of discipline, trust and the value of time, urging civil servants to continue working diligently with determination.