By MOHD IZHAM BIN HASHIM
KOTA KINABALU: Urgent reforms are vital to transform Sabah’s district administration so it can address growing challenges, boost efficiency and deliver better services to the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“District restructuring measures need to cover all levels of management in district offices, including staffing matters and boundary issues,” he said.
The text of his speech was delivered by State Rural Development Minister, Jahid Jahim.
Hajiji also commended new approaches by the State Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) in hardcore poverty eradication (BMT) efforts, which involve working closely with grassroots leaders such as JKKK committees and village chiefs.
At the closing ceremony of the 28th State District Officers Conference on Friday night, he expressed support for resolutions adopted at the two-day meeting, including the establishment of a BMT-focused committee at the district level to address rural poverty.
“We do not want to see any district officers prosecuted or surcharged for non-compliance with financial procedures,” he said, stressing that early planning was crucial in implementing development projects and services.
The Chief Minister further urged KPLB’s top management to monitor the resolutions from the two-day conference closely to ensure they lead to concrete results rather than remain on paper.
He also thanked district officers, government agencies and stakeholders for their contributions, as well as Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the mayor for sponsoring the dinner, which he said reflected strong cooperation between state and local authorities.
Hajiji expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference would “become the core foundation for strengthening district administration and advancing rural development in the state of Sabah.”
