Brief assemblymen on status of development projects, Hajiji remind officers

KOTA KINABALU: District Officers (DOs), Assistant District Officers (ADOs) and Municipal Council presidents are reminded to give full cooperation to elected representatives and update them on the status of development projects in their respective areas.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said some assemblymen have complained about not being informed on projects approved and allocations given by the government to their constituencies.

“Do not hide information, especially about government development projects.

“The elected representatives might be aware of the projects from their allocation for assemblyman or Member of Parliament, but they might not know about other government projects,” he said while officiating the 27th Sabah state district officers conference at a hotel in Tuaran on Thursday (Aug 15).

Hajiji noted that there were complaints from the public in several districts about the lack of transparency among DOs, ADOs, and government department officials, especially regarding the execution of micro projects crucial to the government’s efforts to eradicate poverty.

“I want DOs and ADOs to focus on integrity and to ease the distribution of such small projects since as officers on the ground, the people are watching us,” he stressed.

Hajiji reminded that the government’s effectiveness also depended on officials like DOs and ADOs, who are the face of the government to the people.

Delays, weaknesses or leakages in carrying out government programmes at the district level will reflect negatively on the assemblymen and the government, whom the people will criticise.

“So don’t take too long in approvals, not only for small projects but also for licensing issuance when it can be handled in a short time, as this is a matter of livelihood for the people.

“Any shortcomings in government project implementations will impact the assemblymen and the government.

“So I want to remind you that I will not compromise if there are elements purposely delaying the execution of projects for the people, or making it difficult for the people, including as a way to profit from it.

“If there is clear evidence, I will take stern actions against officers who fail to carry out their duties,” he warned.