KUCHING: The good relationship that continues to be established between senior Sarawak Government officers who have retired and civil servants who are still serving reflects the importance of leadership continuity in the Sarawak Civil Service (SCS).

Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said retirement is not the end, but an important transition to provide an opportunity for the younger generation to take over responsibilities with full enthusiasm, dedication and competitiveness in carrying out their duties for the progress of Sarawak.

According to him, with the new generation playing an active role in the civil service, Sarawak is on the right track to achieve its future goals and vision.

"I extend my deepest congratulations and gratitude to those who have retired for being idols and examples to our colleagues who are still serving.

"As members of the public service, we will all definitely go through the retirement phase, because at a certain age, we give the opportunity to younger people to take over our responsibilities.

"What is more important is that the experience and knowledge that those who have retired can continue to benefit those of us who are still serving," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Sarawak Public Service Merit Ceremony officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Dining Hall on Monday.

At the ceremony, a total of 12 senior Sarawak Government officers who are retiring in 2023 and 2024 were felicitated.

Among them were former Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datu Edwin Abit, former Director of the Human Resource Management and Development Unit Datu Ismail Mohamad Hanis, former Director of the Sarawak Sewerage Services Department Datu Ir. Lau Hieng Ung, former Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datu Azmi Bujang and former Deputy Chairman of the Public Service Commission Sarawak Alexander Unya Ambon.

Also celebrated were former Director of the Unit for Other Religions Datu Jack Aman Luat, former Miri Divisional Administrative Resident Jamalie Busri, former Marudi District Officer Belayong Pok, former Sarawak Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary Dato' Alice Jawan Empaling, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Noriah Ahmad, former Pantu District Officer Langgong Wasam and former Pusa District Officer Bujang Ladi.

At the same ceremony, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar accompanied Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari to present souvenirs to all the retired officers.

Also present were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The meaningful ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee and other Heads of Departments. -UKASnews