KOTA KINABALU, April 14 — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that he will not hesitate to overhaul non-performing government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs).

"In fact, we are in the process of scrutinising several entities for restructuring. This is necessary so that this will not bleed the state coffers,” he said.

He said the state government is always checking and re-evaluating the performance of its machinery so that it will stay at the optimum level.

Hajiji said this when breaking fast with Sabah media practioners at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa near here today.

He said the state government highly values the role of the media fraternity in raising issues affecting the state and people.

"The state government appreciates your role in this aspect and I have no doubt the media will continue to keep your ears on the ground and to report relevant issues so that action can be taken.

"The state government will do its level best to act on it,” he said.

Hajiji said the media also played an important role in the development of the state and people because media reports are sources of information for the government at the grassroots level.

"Again the government is thankful to the media in reporting past, present and future efforts of the government.

"Even during the recent political chaos in Sabah, the media was among the main information source for the people to know the actual situation,” he said.

At the same time, the chief minister urged the media to be responsible, professional and to observe ethics in their reporting so that the people will not be confused and anxious.

Hajiji said that during the month of Ramadan, he had attended breaking of fast events in various places including in Peninsular Malaysia participated by people from all races and religions.

This clearly showed that there is harmony among the people of various races, religions and culture, which must be protected at all costs.

Towards this end, Hajiji said the mass media has an important role to play in ensuring unity remained strong and peace is maintained among the multi-racial and religious people in the state.

"The state government always hopes that the media will cooperate by providing positive and balanced reportings apart from protecting religious and racial sensitivity,” he said.

Hajiji also called upon the media to continue supporting the government development agenda, especially the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya, which is now entering its third year of implementation.

Also present were State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong, assistant ministers, Sabah Journalists Association president Datuk Mugunthan Vanar, Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association chairman Jimmy Goh, chief editors and bureau chiefs. — Borneo Post