‘Little Napoleons’ in state government impede Sabah’s development – Jeffrey Kitingan

19 June 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has urged the state government to take action against senior officers who are obstructing the implementation of development plans in the state.

Kitingan said these officers, whom he dubbed as "Little Napoleons", were abusing their power by enforcing regulations excessively and sometimes engaging in activities that inadvertently deter investors.

"Such behaviour can significantly curtail opportunities vital for Sabah’s advancement," he said in a statement on Monday.

He added that the prevalence of these officers blocking or slowing down the implementation of government plans has become of serious concern.

Kitingan expressed his support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who said last week that certain senior government officers were making it difficult for investors in the state.

"I wholeheartedly agree with Chief Minister Hajiji for the need for department heads to be supervised strictly. It’s critical for those in positions of authority to encourage rather than stifle investment in Sabah," he said.

He also stressed the need for ethical conduct among government officers, especially those in positions of power.

"It’s crucial for our civil servants to maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics. We must ensure Sabah’s reputation remains untarnished and appealing to investors," he said.

He commended the Chief Minister’s dedication to take punitive actions if needed to ensure Sabah remained investor-friendly.

"Our government is committed to welcoming investors with open arms, without bureaucratic hindrances," he said.

He urged department heads and government officials to adopt the government’s investment-friendly approach and collectively foster an environment conducive to Sabah’s economic growth and prosperity.

He warned that dereliction of duties would not be tolerated.

"They must be committed to collaborating with the Chief Minister to establish Sabah as a reliable and enticing investment destination," he said.