Government Committed to Public Service and People's Development

9 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to continue strengthening public service delivery and expanding developmental benefits to all citizens through the Malaysia MADANI approach, said Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He emphasised that civil servants are the backbone of the state's development success and the implementation of government policies. Therefore, their roles must always be infused with integrity, efficiency, and a strong sense of responsibility.

“The rakyat are watching. Our behaviour, speech, and service to the people reflect the government’s delivery system today.

“Consequently, civil servants must embody the principles of MADANI – Sustainability, Prosperity, Creativity, Respect, Confidence, and Compassion – not just as slogans, but in their morals and work culture,” he said during the MADANI Taat Setia State Tour Programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Friday.

Also present was the Secretary General, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who delivered a message to Sabah’s civil service as part of the national MADANI Taat Setia Tour programme.

According to Hajiji, close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments has resulted in various initiatives for the wellbeing of Sabahans, including the Madani Rakyat 2024 programme: Sayangi Sabah, which attracted nearly 485,000 visitors.

The formation of 219 Sabah Madani Communities with an allocation of RM657,000, the Ehsan@KUSKOP Initiative in three targeted districts—Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Kudat—along with various educational dialogues and forums to broaden understanding of Malaysia MADANI.

At the state level, Hajiji stressed that the government continues to provide various forms of assistance, particularly to the B40 group and students. These include the IPT Registration Assistance (BUDI), Computer Assistance (BAIK), and flight subsidies (GRS-SUBFLY) of RM600 for Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

Support for Higher Education Students within the country (SENTOSA) amounts to RM300; the construction of 3,000 Rumah Mesra SMJ units valued at RM250 million; and the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) programme, which provides monthly cash aid of RM300 from early in the year until year-end to 100,000 heads of poor and hardcore poor households in Sabah.

On human capital development, he announced that the Sabah State Scholarship Fund has been significantly increased from RM55 million in 2022 to RM128 million in 2025.

“Supporting Sabah’s youth to pursue higher education is not just about education; it is a long-term investment to nurture future leaders and a competitive workforce,” he said.

Hajiji also urged the 21,989 state civil servants and 126,677 federal civil servants in Sabah to act as facilitators for the people in conveying government policies and implementing initiatives.

“Deliver the government’s messages to the grassroots. Let the rakyat know that the government is not only planning but also executing many development initiatives for the prosperity of the state and its people. The services provided must be swift, efficient, and imbued with integrity,” he stated.

He further called on all Sabahans to set aside political differences and continue to strengthen unity for the state’s progress.

“Political stability is the foundation of prosperity. Let us move forward together in the spirit of solidarity, prioritising unity and renewing our commitment for a brighter future for Sabah,” he concluded.