KUCHING — Integrity remains at the heart of Sarawak’s development, guiding the state’s policies and progress as it moves toward its 2030 goals. The Sarawak Government continues to uphold strong governance, ensuring every development initiative is carried out with transparency, responsibility, and long-term benefit for the people.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg reaffirmed this commitment during the Development Bank of Sarawak Bhd (DBOS) Integrity Day held at a local hotel on Monday. He stressed that integrity has been a major focus since he took office in 2017.
“The Sarawak GPS Government has placed strong emphasis on fiscal discipline, integrity, good governance, and anti-corruption measures since 2017, when I took office as Premier of Sarawak,” he said.
He added that the integrity pledge signed together with cabinet members serves as a continuous reminder of their duty to uphold transparency and avoid any misuse of power.
The Premier highlighted several key initiatives that reinforce the state’s integrity framework. Among them is the requirement for all ministries, agencies, statutory bodies, and government-linked companies (GLCs) to implement the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP). Sarawak currently has more than 210 Certified Integrity Officers (CeIOs), the highest number in Malaysia, ensuring stronger oversight on corruption risks.
He also pointed to the establishment of the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) in 2018 as a major step forward in strengthening the state’s monitoring and complaint-handling mechanisms. This initiative was further reinforced with the Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, which gives UNIONS legal authority to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of public service delivery.
According to the Premier, these measures have played a key role in maintaining Sarawak’s strong financial position, boosting investor confidence, and securing the state’s AAA credit rating. He said this achievement reflects responsible management of public funds and state assets.
In line with ongoing efforts, he commended DBOS for nurturing a work culture guided by professionalism and ethics. He emphasised that integrity is the foundation of trust between the bank, the public, and its stakeholders. Therefore, DBOS must continue safeguarding the principles that define its role in supporting the state’s development goals.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Islamic Banking Window, marking a new milestone for DBOS as it broadens its services in line with Syariah requirements.
Also present at the ceremony were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Chairman of Sarawak Information System (SAINS) Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, DBOS Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, DBOS Chief Executive Officer Datu Laura Lee Ngien Hion, and other distinguished guests. – UKAS/Nur Nabilla
