Haji Hajiji Haji Noor
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has proposed that the Sabah State Public Service Department consider establishing a Public Service Gallery or Mini Museum dedicated to the institution of the State Secretary (SKN).
He said the gallery could showcase important documents, speeches, photographs, memorabilia, as well as records of the achievements and contributions of former State Secretaries throughout their respective tenures.
“The gallery would certainly serve as a reference centre for the development of the public service, while also functioning as a resource centre for students from secondary schools to institutions of higher learning,” he said at the Sanjungan Budi Tautan Legasi ceremony held in honour of former State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong at Magellan Sutera Resort here last night.
Hajiji said the post of State Secretary is the highest-ranking position in the Sabah State Civil Service and noted that since Sabah attained self-government 63 years ago, the state has had only 11 State Secretaries.
They are Robert Turner, Datuk John Dusing, Tan Sri Richard Lind, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Egoh, Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, Tan Sri Datu Haji Khalil Haji Jamalul, Datuk K.Y. Mustafa, Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan, Safar and the incumbent, Datuk Zainudin Aman.
Safar (third right), accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Dr Nuinda Alias, cutting his retirement cake as Hajiji(second left) and Zainudin (left) look on. Also present are the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag (second right) and Zainudin’s wife Datin Siti Yuslaini Md Samsuri (right).
“Each former State Secretary has his own strengths, achievements and legacy. Tonight, we celebrate the legacy of the 10th State Secretary, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Safar Untong, who served for six years, seven months and 24 days alongside the state leadership and members of the public service,” he said.
Hajiji said that during his tenure, Safar not only enhanced the efficiency of the state civil service but also spearheaded positive reforms in line with advances in information technology.
He said one of Safar’s key contributions was the introduction of the Smart Digital Government initiative to strengthen the government’s service delivery system.
“This is an initiative that should not only be continued but further enhanced and upgraded from time to time to meet evolving needs and expectations,” he said.
Hajiji added that, given Safar’s extensive experience in administration, management and land development, he has been entrusted with a new role as Chairman of Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED).
“I am confident that this state-owned company will greatly benefit from Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Safar’s leadership,” he said.
He also expressed the State Government’s appreciation and gratitude to Safar for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the Sabah State Civil Service during his tenure as State Secretary.
