SARAWAK CAN RELY ON ITS STRENGTHS TO BECOME GOVERNANCE MODEL - AWANG TENGAH

KUCHING, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Sarawak can leverage on its rich resources, cultural diversity and political stability to position itself to become a sub-national model for governance in the global network, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said these strengths enable Sarawak to play an active role in global governance and sustainable development.

“Through international cooperation networks, we want to ensure that Sarawak becomes part of the global solution to the challenges of corruption, environmental crises, and social inequality,” he said when officiating the National Conference on Integrity and Governance (NCIG) 2025 here today.

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Awang Tengah said Sarawak’s efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which emphasises justice, peace, and strong institutions.

“At the same time, Sarawak takes a proactive approach in contributing to the world’s climate change agenda through the implementation of renewable energy initiatives, green hydrogen, as well as the preservation of tropical forests, which are the lungs of the world,” he noted.

Awang Tengah said this approach not only supports the Paris Agreement on Climate Change but also shows Sarawak’s commitment to the green economy and sustainable development.

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He said integrity and good governance are central to Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, forming the foundation for the state’s long-term growth and transformation agenda. 

Awang Tengah said Sarawak continues to institutionalise integrity across its administration through the Sarawak Integrity dan Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS), appointment of Certified Integrity Officers (CeIO), implementation of the Ombudsman Ordinance and e-procurement systems.

He said Sarawak remains the only state in Malaysia with legislation related to the Ombudsman through the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, a historic step that provides an independent mechanism for public accountability and oversight.

“With this, Sarawak sends a clear message to the people, investors and the international community that integrity is not just a slogan, but a guaranteed commitment to ensuring transparent and fair governance continues in Sarawak,” he added.

-- BERNAMA