PM Anwar stresses independent auditing to strengthen governance across ASEAN
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on auditors, accountants and regulators across ASEAN to reaffirm their commitment to good governance rooted in values and human dignity.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that technical excellence must be accompanied by moral clarity and independent oversight to build accountable institutions and societies.
He said the core of good governance is accountability.
'We talk about inclusivity, sustainability. But if you look at the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the premise is, of course, responsible and good governance. That represents the conscience of the majority of our people.
'Who wants to live in a country of excesses, endemic corruption and waste? That is why I strongly support ASEAN Audit Institutions to implement this vision,' he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Auditor Conference 2025 held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi.
In his speech, Anwar further stressed the importance of empowering audit institutions to operate independently and to follow the trail of accountability wherever it leads, in order to be prepared to face the challenges in this country and region.
'Now we stand beyond this, about upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability, and through this, strengthening anti-corruption frameworks, again, through the independence of auditors and regulators,' he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed that he has never interfered with or altered any information contained in the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) before it was submitted to the Cabinet or presented to Parliament for open and transparent debate.
'That is why I've mentioned this to my cabinet colleagues... even I do not determine what the results or priorities should be. They briefed me of course, recently, about two weeks ago about the report. But the briefing was not for me to interfere with or change it,' he said.
'That is what we mean by good governance and transparency. This, ultimately, will strengthen governments and integrity and will be reflected in sustained improvements, again, in the corruption perception index,' he said.
Anwar said that beyond positioning ASEAN as a strong economic bloc, it must also stand as a symbol of peace and a region that upholds the highest standards of good governance and accountability.
In line with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and the appointment of Malaysia's Auditor-General as Chair of the ASEAN Audit Committee, the National Audit Department (NADM) is hosting the inaugural ASEAN Auditor Conference 2025 from yesterday until today under the theme 'Inclusive and Sustainable Auditing for a Progressive ASEAN'.
The conference convenes more than 2,000 participants from public and private sectors, including regional and international delegates and several Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions from ASEAN and beyond, such as Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, the Maldives and Yemen.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
PM Anwar Proposes Strategic Housing Development Near Public Transport
GENERAL PETALING JAYA, June 4 (Bernama) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that new people's housing projects be developed on or near public transport stations, as a move to encourage more comprehensive use of the public transport system. Anwar said that such a housing development concept would not only provide more strategic residences for low-income groups but also pave the way for a more sustainable and organised urban lifestyle. 'There are proposals to develop housing directly on top of public transport stations, but this requires certain amendments (to laws) and is currently being worked on. 'An example is the Kota MADANI project, where I emphasised comprehensive and centralised basic amenities for the welfare of the people, including vertical development,' he said. The Prime Minister was speaking at the Malaysia MADANI Scholars' Forum (FIM) Series 6 at Menara Prasarana here, tonight. The forum, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), discussed the topic 'Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality, and Sustainability of Public Transport'. Also participating as panellists were Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Prasarana Malaysia Berhad President and Group Chief Executive Officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah; and Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah. Meanwhile, Anwar said that open discourse platforms like the forum were crucial to ensure government policies were formulated by considering the voices of various parties, including academicians, industry experts, government supporters, and even the opposition. Anwar said the organisation of such forums proved that the government did not shut down criticism, but instead encouraged differing views, provided they were delivered professionally and constructively.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar shares royal compliment on Malaysia's medical expertise
PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah praised the quality and expertise of doctors at the National Heart Institute (IJN) after receiving treatment there. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed this during the Higher Education Ministry's Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum titled "Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality and Sustainability of Public Transport." "His Majesty told me that, as someone with exposure to and experience with some of the world's best medical centres, he was very satisfied with the quality of service, excellence, and expertise of our doctors at IJN," he said. Anwar added that while the government welcomes criticism, Malaysians should also recognise national achievements, especially in healthcare. "So while we allow criticism, which is not a problem, we must also recognise the strengths we have, and there must be the drive to push ourselves to do better," he said. The Sultan of Brunei was in Kuala Lumpur for the 46th Asean Summit with other regional leaders. On May 27, he was reportedly feeling fatigued and was advised by health experts to rest at IJN. Anwar also spoke about his conversation with President of Guinea-Bissau General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, during which he asked why Malaysia was chosen despite limited bilateral trade. "His answer was that he follows developments here and sees Malaysia as a country on the rise, with significant potential. That's why he chose to come," he said. Embaló arrived today for a three-day visit—his first since taking office as president in February 2020. Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau reached RM4.1 million, with Malaysian exports amounting to RM4.04 million and imports standing at RM0.06 million.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Govt mulls housing above train stations to ease congestion
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is reviewing a proposal to build housing projects above railway stations to help ease traffic congestion. The plan is being studied with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and regulatory amendments are in progress. "This means the (public housing) project would be built above (the railway station). It will include commercial housing.... not all units will be public housing, but some of them will be. This are among the measures that will be taken (to ease traffic congestion)," he said at the Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum hosted by the Higher Education Ministry. Also present at the forum were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd president and group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah and Universiti Putra Malaysia vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah. Anwar also addressed the construction of vertical schools under the Kota Madani development, saying they will follow strict safety standards and improved designs. "In Kota Madani Putrajaya, vertical schools will indeed be introduced, and parking will be underground. The residential level will be a proper garden, while the school will be located above. If a school has a lift, it will be dedicated for school use only. So, one can walk from level 14 down to the kindergarten or school, but the construction will be subject to strict conditions," he said. He said the Kota Madani project in Penang will involve 10,000 housing units in Seberang Jaya and Batu Kawan, in South and Central Seberang Perai respectively. "This will include vertical schools, fire stations, and clinics all within the vicinity, so people won't have to bear transportation costs. Otherwise, the MRT won't be viable as people won't use it. This can help reduce the burden on public transportation," he said. Meanwhile, Loke said his ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government are reviewing a plan to reduce or remove parking spaces in flats near railway stations. He said the plan requires policy amendments and has not yet been finalised.
