'It must not happen in my Ministry'
Published on: Sunday, October 23, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH), including its departments and agencies, have been reminded to maintain their integrity at all times in discharging their duties daily, in line with the slogan "Clean, Efficient and Trustworthy" (Bersih, Cekap, Amanah).Its Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor gave this reminder when he addressed MLGH staff at the Ministry's Excellent Service Awards (APC) Nite, here, Friday.Quoting the saying "One Bad Apple Spoils the Whole Branch," he expressed the hope that none of the MLGH is into corrupt practices.ADVERTISEMENT "I hope it does not happen in our Ministry," he told his staff, in an apparent reference to the on-going Water Department scandal which saw many of its officers arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).Meanwhile, the Minister said the past year had been an eventful and fruitful one for MLGH in terms of performance and awards or recognition not just at the State and national levels but also international."For starters, seven Local Authorities (PBTs) received the Financial Management Accountability Index Award for 2015 at the national level."These were the district councils of Keningau, Beaufort, Kota Marudu, Penampang, Sipitang and Tambunan plus the Tawau Municipal Council and the Town and Regional Planning Department (JPBW).ADVERTISEMENT "In fact, Keningau got the highest mark for the whole nation with 98.34 per cent," he declared proudly.Hajiji added that early this year the JPBW together with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia and the Semporna District Office won the prestigious International Planning Excellence Award given by the The Royal Town Planning Institute, London for their joint-effort in the Semporna Marine Spatial Plan.
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"This award serves as a recognition on the ability and expertise of the Sabah Government in town planning based on its cohesiveness, environmental-friendliness, competitiveness and liveability," he stated.He also took note of the fact that all PBTs in the State have begun using the e-Payment System since October with the co-operation of the CIMB banking group whereby a six-month campaign to create awareness on the usage of Jom Pay in all Rating Areas. "The implementation of the e-Payment System by all PBT in Sabah is an encouraging achievement as Sabah has become a model because it is the first State in Malaysia to implement fully the directive of the Federal Department of Local Government on e-Payment."Not only that, the Tawau Municipal Council received the CIMB Plug and Pay Best Implementation Award 2016, while the Sandakan Municipal Council received the State-level Best e-Payment Implementation Award 2016," he quipped.Hajiji later presented APC Awards to Ministry and departmental staff, including those from outstation.Present were his two Assistant Ministers, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Zakaria Edris.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Also present were Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) Chairman Datuk Ahmad Bujang, Sabah Native Affairs Council President Datuk Mohammad Alamin and Sabah House Buyers Claim Tribunal resident Datuk Josie Bosi.MLGH Permanent Secretary Datuk Ginun Yangus was represented by his deputy who was also the organising chairman, Rayman Loudrize.