More than RM100m dividends paid by Govt agencies

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Written by Mohana

Thursday, 21 January 2010 05:12

Kota Kinabalu: State Government agencies have paid dividends to the Government to the tune of more than RM100 million in the last two to three years.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman attributed this unprecedented achievement to a high level of integrity, commitment, transparency, accountability and efficiency on the part of the agencies concerned.

He said among them were Sabah Energy Corporation, Sabah Credit Corporation, Sabah Development Bank, Progressive Insurance, Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) and Sawit Kinabalu.

Musa, who is also Finance Minister, felt that his occasional reminder to government agencies to contribute to the rakyat has borne fruit under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

He viewed the CSR programme as a positive transformation, among others, in Sabah.

"I have earlier asked Federal and State agencies to come up with a system for giving benefits to the rakyat. Don't just look at profits, think of kerja amal (charity) and find out who need help and what your contribution can be."

"Other than CSR, I have asked all agencies to repay their loans (if any) and if they are not in debt, they could contribute in the form of dividends.

"And what the Government has received is used for socio-economic development, particularly in the rural areas," he said when officiating at the opening of Dewan PRIDE (representing Passion, Resourceful, Inspirational, Dignity & Enjoyment) at Wisma Pandu Puteri, here.

The Wisma houses Girl Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM) Sabah Branch.

Recalling the words of former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Musa said the latter had emphasised that only with accountability, transparency and efficiency would agencies succeed and make profits.

The Chief Minister described the Sabah Credit Corporation's (PPS) CSR initiative as a classic example of such responsibility which should be followed by other agencies. PPS chaired by Teo Chee Kang is under the State Finance Ministry.

PPS decided to help out with a total of RM393,484 after its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Vincent Pung, received an SOS from GGAM Sabah Branch headed by Datuk Naomi Chong Set Mui.

The association was desperate for funds to repair its then "crumbling" multi-purpose hall (now renamed Dewan PRIDE).

"The Corporation is a leading agency in this respect, and can serve as a guide to others. If CEOs manage their agencies efficiently, they will be able to generate profits in their respective core businesses and thereby help the rakyat," said Musa.

GGAM Sabah Branch, he said, has exemplified that where there is a will, there is a way. "Both the association and PPS have taken the lead in demonstrating how mutual benefits can be reaped when agencies help voluntary organisations."

Praising the GGAM Sabah Branch President, the CM said: "I am impressed with the way Naomi is able to mobilise her team to get the Sabah Credit Corporation and other organisations to respond to their call for help.

"From a dilapidated almost collapsing building, which was dangerous, it (Dewan PRIDE) is now a beautiful building. Her usaha (effort) to get the building repaired was good.

"I congratulate the Persatuan Pandu Puteri Malaysia Cawangan Sabah, especially Naomi, and all members on their success in completing an enormous task. She has run this voluntary body efficiently."

Acknowledging the presence of Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides, Datin Zalillah Mohd Taib from Kuala Lumpur, Musa said it reflected good relations between the national body and its Sabah branch.

"Do maintain the close relations for the good of the guiding movement.

You can exchange views and ideas in making sure guiding is well-liked by young girls in Sabah."

He noted that national and guiding leaders are committed to leadership training.

"I appreciate the movement's role in developing quality human capital.

They are moulding young people into knowledgeable and useful youth who can in turn help develop Sabah."

Later, the CM witnessed the presentation of a mock cheque for RM127,484.00 by Pung to Naomi. It was the final disbursement of a pledge of RM393,484.00 from PPS for the major repair and renovation works on the multi-purpose hall and administration block undertaken by the association.

The total cost of repair and renovation plus new fixtures involving Phase One (dormitory), Phase Two (multi-purpose hall), Phase Three (administration block, meeting-room & Olave Room) and Phase Four (The Courtyard) amounted to RM676,594.45.

The balance came from the association's building fund and generous donations from State leaders, corporate figures, companies and private individuals mainly solicited for by Naomi.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference later, a visibly pleased Musa said:

"I am very happy with the achievement of Girl Guides Association, Sabah Branch. Sabah Credit Corporation has also done a great job.

I can now tell people how good they (PPS) are.

"Today, the Corporation is helping Pandu Puteri and Pandu Puteri will in return help the State Government through youth leadership development.

That's what we call a win-win situation, So, we complement each other.

"I think this is a good sign. I hope other organisations and agencies will emulate what Pandu Puteri and the Corporation are doing.

I would also like to thank all the other kind donors for helping Pandu Puteri."

Source: Daily Express, 20th January 2010