Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal described the nearly RM1.2 billion being spent on the soon-to-be-completed Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) by Yayasan Sabah as too high. "It's cost has more than doubled. The project, which had originally cost about RM500 million, had been reviewed several times and the cost was now RM1.2 billion.
"The construction of the hotel cost about RM200 million and the convention centre itself is RM1 billion.
Can you imagine the complex? It's so costly.
"Running a convention centre is not going to be an easy task, it is going to cost a lot of money," he said.
People on the ground want assistance and yet we want buildings to only look beautiful.
"I don't mind having a small office, what is important is our service must be bigger than the office that is far more important, no point in having a big office but our service is small.
"There are so much leakages, from RM400 million to RM500 million for a convention centre.
This is not right, these are public funds…people's money, we know there are resources, but it is high time for proper financial management to prevent leakages at State level," he said, in his address to some 1,000 civil servants here, Monday.
The previous state government had said in January this year, that the RM700 million SICC, which would provide ample space for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) was scheduled to open its doors in a year's time.
The SICC, located on a 6ha site near the downtown area in Tanjung Lipat, would enable organisers of international events to stage them with a scenic backdrop of the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu.
Shafie also called for total commitment from civil servants at State and Federal level to ensure services reach the people on the ground.
"We must realise that the people need us, we are thinking of our own problem but we have the responsibility to help the people and I cannot do this if there is no cooperation from you."
The meeting held at the State Administrative Office was his first with civil servants comprising both State and Federal, since assuming duties as Chief Minister.
He hoped not only for total commitment, but high integrity, change in mindset and work culture when carrying out duties.
"Be punctual, our clients are the people out there, they need our help, I am not asking you to do it for me, but for the people… don't deprive the people of getting better services, do your part to serve the people of Sabah and the State," he said.
He also called on district officers to not only engage with contractors, business people and YBs, but more with the people on the ground.
"Don't wait for the people to come to you, you should go down and engage more with them, listen to their needs and wants and deliver the message to the ministries concerned so that things can be done to address it."
He also said if there was a need for downsizing in terms of how the services are done, then they need to downsize.
"I also urge all parties to avoid leakages, I know it is bitter to realise the truth, sometimes when we speak the truth it hurts. But if we don't speak the truth it will be more difficult," he added.
"We must look at job opportunities, transaction of cash, liquidity of system must be felt in Sabah, but we need to look into it carefully.
"Sabah is a rich state, if we can exploit to the maximum, we can benefit many more Sabahans and the country at large, but I need your help at all levels," he said to applause.
Also present were State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman and Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Nor Rizan Mohd Thani.
Meanwhile, Sukarti said based on past history and experiences, the State Public Service certainly does not face major problems in the process of adapting to changes either by changes in government or implementation of new policies.
"What is important is that all civil servants and government agencies must always be committed to implementing any responsibility entrusted with the values of professionalism and integrity," he said.
There are currently 133,568 State civil servants and 112,355 Federal civil servants serving in Sabah.
Sukarti said in view of the amount, they find that the government is still the largest employer and main choice for job seekers in the State, adding that the scenario cannot be continued.
He said other sectors, especially private sectors, should jointly provide more employment opportunities to locals. - Sherell Jeffrey
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