KUCHING: The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is determined to make integrity the central pillar of its governance and public service delivery, reflecting the state’s broader efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and trust in government institutions.
Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said integrity should no longer be treated as a slogan but as a living culture; one that must shape the decisions, conduct and responsibilities of every public officer under the ministry’s purview.
“Good governance is not just about compliance. Transparency, honesty and professionalism must become our daily practice, not mere words on paper,” he said when officiating the Integrity Day 2025 celebration held at the Sarawak Chamber, today.
The event, organised by the Ministry’s Integrity Unit, gathered ministry officers and representatives from agencies, including Sarawak Energy, JBALB, Sarawak Water, the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and SIRIM Berhad, which also marked the launch of the Ministry Initiatives Book 2023-2024, documenting two years of reform and process improvement.
Julaihi said the publication serves as evidence of the ministry’s commitment to good governance, service efficiency, and ethical accountability, as it continues to modernise utility delivery and align operations with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
“The culture of value for money must guide every stage of our planning, implementation and reporting,” he added.
“Every ringgit of public spending carries a responsibility; it must deliver measurable value to the people.”
He also emphasised that financial discipline and procurement integrity are vital to maintaining public confidence, especially as the ministry manages key services such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications.
Julaihi added that integrity also extends to transparent project implementation, where officers must ensure that every infrastructure project is completed on time and in accordance with quality standards.
“Project success cannot be judged on paper. Seeing is believing; we must go to the ground, verify the progress ourselves, and resolve issues immediately.”
He further highlighted the role of digital communication tools, such as the ministry’s WhatsApp group, which connects ministry divisions, agencies and stakeholders to resolve operational issues quickly and transparently.
“We cannot sweep problems under the carpet. Fast response and open coordination reflect integrity in action,” he said.
He also called for stronger community engagement, stressing that open dialogues and town hall sessions are essential in fostering understanding, addressing misconceptions, and promoting a sense of shared ownership among citizens.
“With integrity, transparency and collaboration, we can build a public service that is not only efficient but also respected and trusted by the people.”