Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the strong support and commitment of civil servants have been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 development plan throughout his five-year leadership of the State Government.
“In the past five years, I have led the State Government with the support and cooperation of both State and Federal civil servants. It has been an extraordinary yet deeply meaningful experience for me.
“Previously, I only led a ministry, but for the past five years, I have led an entire government. It has been a truly remarkable experience, one that I will cherish forever,” he said when officiating at the inaugural Sabah Civil Service Convention 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Tuesday.
Hajiji said the State and Federal civil services in Sabah have generally functioned effectively, despite facing various challenges, pressures and uncertainties over the years.
“Here in Sabah, we have gone through political instability, the threat of a pandemic and other challenges beyond our control, such as global economic uncertainty and climate change – all of which affect our performance, roles and daily lives,” he said.
“May the strong foundations we have built under Hala Tuju SMJ 1.0 continue to strengthen and lead us to even greater success under Hala Tuju SMJ 2.0, which will soon be implemented,” he added.
The Chief Minister said over the past five years, he had visited all ministries, including their respective departments and agencies, to better understand their challenges.
“The feedback and complaints I received were not always positive. Of course, there were Assemblymen, Community Development Leaders (PPM), Village Chiefs and grassroots leaders who submitted reports regularly.
“That’s why I can say that over the past five years, there were matters I was very satisfied with and others that were disappointing.
“But that is normal – as a leader, we always expect the best from our subordinates,” he said.
Hajiji said the large-scale convention, held in conjunction with World Quality Day and involving both State and Federal civil servants, was timely and highly commendable.
He called on civil servants to take proactive measures in enhancing human capital and expertise to remain relevant in the fast-changing and sophisticated 21st century.
“As the Government’s machinery, civil servants are the backbone of the administrative system. Guided by principles of ethics and integrity, their duty is to serve the government of the day and deliver quality services to the people.
“Therefore, a strong and cordial relationship between civil servants and government leaders must be continuously nurtured and strengthened,” he said.
Such cooperation, he added, ensures stable governance, smooth and effective implementation of government policies and sustained progress towards a prosperous State and the wellbeing of the people.
In terms of human capital development, Hajiji said the State Government, through the Hala Tuju SMJ framework, focuses not only on education and skills enhancement but also on strengthening the State Civil Service through the implementation of the State Civil Service Remuneration System (SSPA) beginning Dec 1 last year.
With an estimated additional expenditure of RM150 million, State civil servants will receive a phased salary increment of between 7 and 15 per cent from last year to 2026, depending on their service group.
Several special assistance packages have also been approved. This year, State civil servants have received a total minimum special assistance of RM4,000, comprising one month’s salary or a minimum of RM3,000 in January this year, RM500 for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and RM500 for the Kaamatan Festival.
“This marks the highest amount of special assistance ever given to civil servants, reflecting the Government’s appreciation of their dedication and strong commitment,” he said.
The Government has also introduced the Vacation Incentive (i-Cuti) to recognise civil servants who have served for 20 years or more by 2024.
As of this year, a total of 7,872 officers from the Support Group, 824 from the Management and Professional Group and 61 from the Top Management Group are eligible for this incentive, involving an estimated total cost of RM17.7 million.
Hajiji said the State Civil Service would be further strengthened pending the Federal Government’s approval to upgrade 5,537 temporary and contract positions to permanent posts in phases.
He also noted that during the presentation of the National Budget 2026 in October, the Prime Minister announced a special payment of RM500 for Federal civil servants to be distributed before Hari Raya Aidilfitri early next year.
“God willing, the Sabah Government will also provide a similar incentive in the State Budget 2026, and perhaps even slightly higher. However, this will depend on the Government’s financial capacity.
“Hopefully, this Government will be given a fresh mandate from the people so that this special incentive can be considered and, more importantly, so that we can continue our service and the ongoing development programmes that are progressing well, God willing,” he said.
