As Sarawak diversifies its economy and expands its market base through its digital economy agenda and post-COVID-19 development strategy to become an advanced state by 2030, its civil service must comprise “visionary” talents who can realise the government’s objectives.
“The whole (economic) structure will change because of technology. And we are engaging with international investors who are also managing their firms, their interest based on the current way of managing their various respective companies.
“And therefore, civil servants who have that background will be able to understand the needs of the investors. (When) the two meet together, then our service will be more efficient and that will lead to other investors coming to Sarawak and therefore enhance and strengthen our economy,” said Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
In his remarks during the Sarawak State Public Service Commission (SPANS) 60th Anniversary Celebration in Kuching on 8 December 2021, he added that Sarawak’s present economic strategies will lead to increased employment opportunities from the private sector and entrepreneurs.
This can mean reduced job application to the Government through SPANS, making the Government less of an “employer” and more of a “facilitator” as a way forward in driving its socio-economic development.
On SPANS’s establishment for the past 60 years, the Chief Minister saw the commission’s diamond jubilee celebration as a moment to reflect not only its achievements, but also its importance in producing quality human capital capable of administrating and developing Sarawak.
“As the executive body responsible for appointing civil servants, SPANS has performed its responsibilities effectively in producing civil servants who are able to elevate the status of the State to a high level and be an example to other civil services,” he said.
In conjunction with the celebration, the Chief Minister announced the Sarawak Government’s agreement to allocate a new office for SPANS at the upcoming Hikmah Exchange Building at Jalan Haji Taha, Kuching, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2022.
