SARAWAK government ministries and government-linked agencies will tighten measures when awarding contracts for projects to prevent abuse of authority and corrupt practices, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg assured.
The procedures of procuring contracts by people in position of decision-making will also be tightened, he pledged.
Speaking when meeting with Sarawak MACC state director Hasbillah Mohd Salleh at the Premier Department office in Kuching, Johari said integrity of state civil servants must be enhanced.
"We must instil high values of integrity and accountability on the methods used to procure tenders and the decision process of awarding contracts for government projects.
"Those in power must discharge their duties professionally and with discipline.
"The decision making process must have transparency and accountability.
"We will tighten these measures and ensure top level efficiency," said Johari.
The state authorities will give their full cooperation to the MACC in ensuring that integrity is upheld among those under the state jurisdiction, he said.
He assured that the state has taken steps to educate those decision-makers under its jurisdiction on the importance of maintaining high level of integrity and honesty.
Late last year, the MACC arrested several prominent figures in Sarawak as part of investigations into allegations of abuse of power and corrupt practices relating to numerous government projects.
The Sarawak Cabinet had two years ago formed a ministerial committee to monitor integrity among the state agencies. – March 8, 2025
