Civil Servants Urged to Adapt to Modern Challenges

18 July 2025

TAWAU: Civil servants must embrace agility and competitiveness to remain relevant in today's rapidly evolving landscape, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam stressed.

The current environment, driven by technological advancements and rising public expectations, demands a proactive approach from public servants. They must enhance their skills and adapt quickly to maintain effectiveness within the government's delivery system.

Dr. Joachim highlighted the need for civil servants to be competitive and adaptable to ensure continued, impactful contributions.

He emphasised that the pace of change, including technological breakthroughs, necessitates a shift in mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.

He said this during the launch of the Tawau Municipal Council’s Excellence Service Awards (APC) 2025 at the Tawau Community Hall yesterday.

Dr. Joachim, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing, emphasised that achieving success in the public service not only brings satisfaction but also acts as a catalyst for motivation and encouragement to carry out duties with excellence.

“Receiving recognition such as the APC instils a sense of fulfilment and motivation in every recipient. It is a moment of great joy and significance in a public servant’s career,” he added.

He also called on the staff of the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) to continue fostering a high-performance work culture rooted in integrity and service efficiency for the well-being of the people.

“I urge MPT personnel to strengthen their values of integrity, enhance service delivery efficiency, and adopt a high-performance work culture,” he said.

According to him, the organisation’s successes, such as MPT’s achievements, are the result of teamwork, camaraderie, and a professional, responsible work environment.

He stressed that the APC awards are not merely a form of honour for selected individuals but a symbol of recognition for commitment and high discipline in delivering excellent public services.

“I believe that today’s achievements are not the work of an individual alone but the result of teamwork and a culture of integrity that underpin excellence,” he remarked.

He also reminded that these awards should not be seen as the pinnacle of achievement but as motivation to generate new ideas and expand contributions to ministries, departments, and the country.

“There is still much to contribute innovative ideas to explore and dedicated service to be given for the benefit of ministries and departments,” he said.

During the event, several MPT civil servants received APC recognition based on outstanding performance in 2024 and significant contributions to the organisation and community.

Dr. Joachim also expressed appreciation to the MPT retirees of 2024 for their dedicated service, describing their sacrifices as valuable assets to be remembered forever.

He extended his gratitude to the MPT President, who is also the APC Advisory I, Joseph Pang, as well as the secretariat and all parties involved in organising the event.

“I hope that the cooperation and commitment demonstrated so far will continue into the future,” he said.

The ceremony was enlivened with various performances and prize-giving to APC recipients and the 2024 MPT retirees.

Present during the event were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Apas Assemblyman, Datuk Nizam Datuk Seri Panglima Abu Bakar Titingan; Tawau Member of Parliament, Datuk Lo Su Fui; Political Secretary to the Sabah State Finance Minister and Kukusan Assemblywoman, Datuk Rina Jainal; Balung Assemblyman, Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang; Deputy President of Tawau Municipal Council, also Adviser II for the APC 2025, Shoffian Mohd Said; Assistant Secretary-General representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Mariati Mat Nor; and Tawau Municipal Council Secretary and APC Organising Chairperson, Siti Nabilah Hadi.