KUCHING (Nov 5): Good governance is not a matter of chance but must be deliberately cultivated through consistent effort and a deep commitment to integrity, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at the Ombuds Day 2025 celebration here today, Abang Johari said that the theme ‘Planting the Seeds for Good Governance’, serves as a powerful reminder that the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability must be nurtured at all levels of public administration.

“Just as a farmer plants a seed with patience and care, we too must embed the seeds of ethical leadership and transparency throughout our institutions, so that they grow into a culture of integrity and accountability that benefits generations to come,” he said in a text of speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Abang Johari emphasised that Ombuds Day is not merely a celebration but a moment of reflection — a time to evaluate decision-making processes, how grievances are heard, and the government’s responsiveness to the people.

He stressed that the ombudsman is central to ensuring fairness and justice, providing impartial review of government decisions and upholding the highest standards of integrity in public administration.

He highlighted the state’s concrete steps to strengthen its governance framework through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

This strategy prioritises institutional integrity and performance-based management as key drivers for achieving a high-income, inclusive economy.

Key initiatives include the move towards Results-Based Budgeting (RBB) to ensure public spending delivers measurable outcomes, and the strengthening of corporate governance within Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and statutory bodies.

“We continue to invest in capacity building, leadership development and digital transformation within the public sector,” he said.

“Good governance begins with competent people and effective organisations ready for the future.”

He added that while digitalisation helps reduce bureaucracy and misuse of authority, it must be guided by integrity and empathy.

The Premier underscored the need to cultivate a lasting culture of integrity, starting from education and workplace systems.

“We must empower officers to make decisions guided by ethics, not convenience — by conscience, not pressure,” he said.

“When integrity becomes the norm rather than the exception, we will have succeeded in planting the seeds of sustainable governance.”

He reminded that good governance is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation from the public sector, private sector, civil society, and citizens alike.

“Every Sarawakian has a role to play — from the policymaker in the office to the citizen who speaks out against maladministration and bad decisions,” he added.

Concluding his address, Abang Johari called for continued efforts to nurture integrity and transparency as the bedrock of Sarawak’s progress.

“Every reform, every act of fairness, and every step toward transparency is a seed we plant for a better and sustainable future.

“We may not see all the fruits immediately, but in time, these seeds will grow into stronger institutions that society can trust,” he said.

In his welcoming remarks, State Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Juanda Jaya said the Sarawak Ombudsman plays a vital role in strengthening public confidence and accountability.

He revealed that the institution, established under the 2023 Ordinance, has expanded this year with three new appointments, reflecting the state’s firm commitment to good governance.

Juanda stressed that complaints should be viewed as opportunities to improve administration rather than as criticism, positioning the Ombudsman as a “partner” to government agencies and GLCs.

He also highlighted Sarawak’s collaboration with Ombudsman institutions from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom to learn and adopt international best practices.

Also present were State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar and State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.