KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has instructed the state administration to reduce red tape to ensure various projects can be implemented in time for the people.
He said there were delays in implementing numerous 'Projek Rakyat' (People's Projects) in Sarawak due to "bureaucracy" and certain procedural requirments.
"Let me share with you a case in point – the Marudi Bridge, which has been delayed for more than a year. We have terminated the contract with the contractor and decided that a "rescue contractor" comes in to complete the project. But certain procedures have to be adhered to that prevent the Public Works Department from taking corrective measures as fast as desired," he said.
"Thus, I hope our state machinery will take note of this. If there is any need to revamp the procedures then do so. Some of the procedures are obsolete," he said at the Sarawak Civil Service Day celebration 2022 here today.
Abang Johari said he was not suggesting forgoing procedures as the element of integrity or good governance must always be the basis of public spending. However, he said there are procedures that could be adjusted so development can be expedited.
With the advent of digital technologies, he said, financial procedures need to be aligned more practically as what had been done by the Land and Survey Department which has practically put information on land administration at the finger tip.
"I have directed the State Financial Secretary (SFS) to study the procedures not because we want to do away with procedures as stipulated in the Treasury Instruction, but have to change procedures which are not necessary anymore," he explained.
"In the thick of Covid-19, we can tell the people that delays to project implementation were due to the pandemic, but with infections on the downward trend, we must deliver the projects as promised. We need a civil service that is capable of acting fast enough to accelerate the state's development," he said.
Abang Johari said the state and federal civil services in Sarawak play a crucial role in providing solutions to deal with the emerging circumstances and to help keep the state's wellness, social and economic wheel moving forward.
"I am confident that the combined strength of the civil service and Sarawak Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) political leaders will ensure the success of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy by 2030 to turn Sarawak into a developed and high income state," he said.
