KUCHING (Jan 9): Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki has emphasised the importance of implementing lean service practices in the civil service to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Speaking at a special ceremony organised by the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), Abu Bakar said civil servants must remain vigilant in carrying out their responsibilities amid changing times.

“When I refer to the concept of the 3Rs — Revisit, Rethink, and Recharge — it is closely related to our lives,” he said.

“We must reflect on ourselves continuously to improve, as times are changing and the expectations of society today are very different.”

He noted that the civil service demographic has evolved over the years.

“The baby boomer generation has retired and been replaced by a new generation. With that, the expectations of the workforce have changed,” he said, adding that younger employees place greater importance on flexibility in the workplace.

“This is why I often emphasise to the human resource unit the need to come up with solutions that address these new expectations in employment,” he said.

Abu Bakar also urged government servants to continue upskilling and explore different fields to broaden their knowledge.

“It is important for us to be informed and educated in various areas.

“You must understand financial management, know how to read a balance sheet, and be able to interpret profit and loss statements,” he said.

In addressing global complexities, he said government agencies must work together across all levels.

“We have to work as one team — not only within a single agency but also across different agencies,” he said, adding that cooperation with the non-Muslim community should also be strengthened.

He further highlighted the potential of outsourcing smaller tasks to help reduce the workload of civil servants.

Abu Bakar concluded by expressing his appreciation to MIS, the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), the Mufti of Sarawak, and other relevant agencies for their contributions in delivering better services to the people.

Credits: Aliah Abdullah, The Borneo Post 2026