KUCHING: Civil servants in Sarawak have been reminded to always uphold the values of integrity and team spirit in carrying out their duties to ensure government service delivery remains relevant and continues to be the backbone of development in the region.

Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said integrity is not only tied to issues of corruption or breach of trust but also encompasses maintaining good ties with colleagues, leaders, and work teams.

“When our intention in working is only to pursue recognition, praise, or promotion, it gives rise to negative cultures such as flattery, gossip, backstabbing, and creating division within the team.

“These behaviours are very harmful to the civil service,” he said when delivering his address in conjunction with the Land and Survey Department Sarawak (JTS) Innovation and Integrity Day 2025 at a hotel, here on Wednesday.

The Sarawak Secretary stressed that civil servants must work in tandem and reject the formation of small factions within departments, as only through close cooperation can service delivery be enhanced.

“All these require every member of the Sarawak Civil Service, including the Land and Survey Department, to continuously improve knowledge and competencies to ensure the departments remain relevant and function as a foundation for Sarawak’s development,” he said.

At the event, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar also presented the Excellent Service Awards (APC) to 100 JTS staff from Kuching, Kota Samarahan, and Serian.

Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak (MUDeNR), Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Director of Land and Survey Sarawak, Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews