Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor raise the alarm to state civil servants on the escalating public scrutiny fuelled by social media’s pervasive reach.

Hajiji stressed that the intense public gaze demands the highest standards of accountability and integrity from the state’s civil service.

Failure to maintain these standards, he cautioned, could erode public trust.

“Usually, the reports or feedback I receive are generally positive. Alhamdulillah. But there are also times when the reports are very discouraging, with various stories and issues involving certain officers among state and federal civil servants,” he said when delivering his 2025 New Year’s address with the state civil servants in Kota Kinabalu today.

Hajiji warned any issues could rapidly escalate into major controversies in the age of social media, where “CCTV is everywhere – sometimes the people themselves are the CCTV.”

He urged civil servants to remain vigilant, noting that their actions and words can be recorded and shared without their knowledge, potentially triggering viral backlash.

Hajiji acknowledged that political leaders, especially himself as Chief Minister, are often the target of public criticism when government services fall short.

He cited a recent incident in Kota Kinabalu where a motorcyclist died after hitting a pothole, calling it a tragic consequence of delayed action.

“I am deeply saddened by the incident. It did not happen in a remote area but right in the city of Kota Kinabalu,” he said.

“Don’t wait until accidents occur to rush into action. Don’t wait for complaints or orders before moving.”

Hajiji also pointed to the ongoing non-revenue water (NRW) crisis in Sabah, revealing that 60% of clean water is lost due to theft and mismanagement, placing the onus on the Water Department to address these inefficiencies.

He emphasized the importance of proactive governance, transparency, and integrity to maintain public trust, warning civil servants to verify facts before sharing information to combat misinformation and disinformation.

“Our duty is to serve the people, not to make their lives difficult. Civil servants must act with integrity, transparency, and efficiency,” Hajiji said. – February 20, 2025.