KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the strong support and commitment of civil servants have been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 development plan throughout his five-year leadership of the Sabah State Government.
“In the past five years, I have led the State Government with the support and cooperation of both State and Federal civil servants. It has been an extraordinary yet very meaningful experience for me.
“Before this, I only led a ministry, but for the past five years, I have led an entire government. It was a very, very interesting experience, which I will cherish forever,” he said at the Sabah Civil Service Convention held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today.
According to him, the State and Federal civil service in Sabah has generally functioned well, even though it has occasionally faced challenges, pressures, and uncertainties.
“Especially here in Sabah, we have gone through political instability, the threat of a pandemic, and other challenges beyond our control, such as global economic uncertainty and climate change, which can affect our performance, roles, and daily lives,” he said.
“May the strong foundations we have built under Hala Tuju SMJ 1.0, which continue to strengthen, allow us to achieve even greater success under Hala Tuju SMJ 2.0, which awaits implementation,” he said.
In the past five years, Hajiji said he had visited all ministries, including their respective departments and agencies.
“The feedback and complaints I received were not always positive. Of course, there were Assemblymen, Community Development Leaders (PPM), Village Chiefs, and grassroots leaders who regularly submitted reports.
“That’s why I say, over the past five years, there were things I was very satisfied with and others that were disappointing. But that’s normal — as a leader, we always expect the best from our subordinates,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that the large-scale convention held in conjunction with World Quality Day, which involved both State and Federal civil servants, was timely and highly welcomed.
He called on civil servants to take proactive steps in enhancing human capital and expertise so as not to fall behind the demands and needs of this sophisticated 21st-century era.
“As the Government’s machinery, civil servants are also the backbone of the administrative system. Guided by ethical and integrity-based work principles, their duty is to deliver services to the people based on the principle of ‘to serve the government of the day.’
Therefore, a strong and cordial relationship between civil servants and government leaders must be continuously nurtured and strengthened,” he said.
This, he said, ensures stable governance, smooth and effective implementation of government policies, and sustained progress and development toward a prosperous state and the well-being of its people.
In terms of human capital development, Hajiji said the State Government, through the Hala Tuju SMJ framework, focuses not only on education and skills enhancement but also on strengthening the State Civil Service through the implementation of the State Civil Service Remuneration System (SSPA) starting December 1, 2024.
With an estimated additional expenditure of RM150 million, State civil servants will enjoy a phased salary increment of 7 per cent to 15 per cent from 2024 until 2026, depending on their service group.
Several special assistance packages have also been approved. This year, state civil servants have received a total minimum special assistance of RM4,000, comprising one month’s salary or a minimum of RM3,000 in January 2025, RM500 for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and RM500 for Kaamatan Festival.
“This marked the highest amount of special assistance ever given to civil servants, reflecting the Government’s appreciation of their strong commitment,” he said.
The Government has also introduced the Vacation Incentive (i-Cuti) to recognise the service of civil servants who have served for two decades or more by 2024.As of this year, a total of 7,872 officers from the Support Group, 824 from the Management and Professional Group, and 61 from the Top Management Group are eligible for this incentive, with an estimated total cost of RM17.7 million.
Hajiji added that the state civil service will be further strengthened pending the Federal Government’s agreement to consider upgrading 5,537 temporary and contract positions to permanent posts in phases.
He said that in October, during the presentation of the National Budget 2026, the Prime Minister announced a special payment of RM500 for Federal civil servants, to be distributed before Hari Raya Aidilfitri early next year.
“God willing, the Sabah State Government will also provide a similar incentive in the State Budget 2026 — and possibly even a bit higher! However, this will depend on the Government’s financial capacity.
“Hopefully, this Government will receive a fresh mandate from the people so that the special incentive will be considered. More importantly, so that we can continue our service and the ongoing development programmes that are currently progressing well, God willing,” he said.-pr/BNN
