KUCHING, Nov 10 — Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today stressed that the state government has always believed in upholding integrity and sustaining good corporate governance practices in line with its vision of becoming a developed state by year 2030.

He said the state government has introduced various corruption prevention measures and mechanisms to ensure public interest is safeguarded.

He said the measures included the establishment of an Internal Audit Unit under the administration of the State Financial Secretary Office, as well as an Integrity and Ombudsman Unit under the Premier’s Office and making it mandatory for all government agencies to set up an Integrity Unit and engage at least one Certified Integrity Officer (CeIO).

"We trust that these measures will instil public confidence and allow the smooth implementation of various government projects,” he said during celebrations for the SEDC Integrity Day.

"Therefore, it makes me proud to mention that Sarawak has built a strong foundation, with a clear objective in addressing corruption, good governance and integrity,” he said.

He said history has shown that issues of integrity can destroy a society and led to the downfall of many governments throughout history.

"Even today, we see many governments toppled when their people can no longer condone controversial corruption scandals.

"Corruption, just like cancer, is corrosive in nature, and will spread to the whole system with no immediate remedy or solution.

"The aftermath could have an adverse impact on the whole system,” he said, adding that it must be nipped in the bud early on to prevent it from spreading.

He said he had previously indicated that the Sarawak government would study the possibility of increasing the quantum of salaries in the state civil service as a way to stem corruption, much like what is being practised in Singapore.

He said civil servants not being paid enough to cope with the rising cost of living would lead to kickbacks, bribes and abuse of power.

"As your premier, this needs careful study because the state government cannot simply create posts or a system of salaries and special benefits without the input of the federal civil service.

"All pensionable posts are subject to the approval of the federal Public Service Department (PSD) as pensions are paid by the federal government,” he said.

He said one way to bypass the PSD was a strong state economy.

He said that the sovereign wealth fund that he has proposed will provide good returns and "if our economy is strong, our financial position is also strong, of course, we can share the benefits to the civil servants”.