Latest news with #MalaysianInstituteofIntegrity
The Star
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
HODs who fail to act on misconduct will be hauled up too, says Chief Secretary to Govt
KOTA KINABALU: Department heads who fail to act on misconduct, whether committed by themselves or their subordinates, will be held accountable, warns Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He said efforts are ongoing to strengthen integrity and accountability within the civil service, including stricter enforcement against those who conceal wrongdoing. 'Action will be taken against any department head who does not act on misconduct or attempts to cover it up. "They will be demerited by 15% and subjected to disciplinary measures,' he said after the closing ceremony of the Jelajah Taat Setia programme here on Friday (May 9). He said disciplinary actions, under current regulations, may include salary increment freezes, promotion delays, or even termination, depending on the severity of the offence. 'These measures are in line with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. We follow due process to ensure fairness and transparency. Shamsul Azri noted that serious breaches among civil servants remain relatively low, less than 10% of the total workforce. 'Common offences include being absent from work without reason, travelling abroad without permission, or taking medical leave without proper certification,' he said. He stressed that disciplinary proceedings are handled through a system with checks and balances involving an investigation committee, a disciplinary board and an appeals process. 'This ensures transparency and upholds justice throughout,' he said. The event, which was launched by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, was attended by some 2,000 federal and state civil servants. It included briefings on the values of Malaysia Madani and the importance of loyalty in public service. Shamsul Azri also announced that the Malaysian Institute of Integrity is developing two major mechanisms to enhance governance and transparency, the Integrity Index and the System for Public Integrity Evaluation (SPINE). Both are expected to be completed by October. As chair of the Special Task Force on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Shamsul Azri said it is focused on elevating Malaysia's global standing by fostering integrity within the civil service. He added that ongoing reforms aim to build trust and credibility at every level of government.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
IIM, MACC to forge strategic partnership to coordinate anti-corruption initiatives
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) has expressed its intention to forge a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to ensure better coordination of anti-corruption activities and avoid duplication. MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman said in a statement that this was conveyed by IIM chief executive officer Rahman Mohd Din during a courtesy call at the MACC headquarters here today. He said IIM played a key role in strengthening a culture of integrity and good governance in both the public and private sectors. "MACC welcomes IIM's intention to establish a strategic partnership to coordinate anti-corruption activities between the two agencies, avoid duplication, strengthen joint strategies and facilitate information sharing in formulating various anti-corruption agendas," he said. Azmi said the courtesy call also reflected the commitment of both MACC and IIM in developing the National Integrity Cultivation Strategy (NIES) to replace the National Integrity Plan (PIN). Meanwhile, Rahman, in the same statement, expressed appreciation for MACC's commitment and said IIM always welcomed collaboration and was open to sharing information and views with the commission. –Bernama
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Three Johor Bharu areas pioneer empowerment of community integrity development
JOHOR BAHRU: Three areas in Johor Bahru have been selected as pilot models to enhance community awareness of integrity through the Community Integrity Building (CIB) programme. Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the programme, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), will involve the communities in Bandar Baru Uda, Bandar Dato Onn and Desa Cemerlang. He said the programme, among other things, aims to encourage collaboration between local authorities (PBT) and the community in forming an ethical and resilient community against corruption and abuse of power. 'Among the programme's goals and objectives is to increase public awareness and sensitivity to integrity issues occurring in their environment. 'With close cooperation with these communities, it is hoped that it will also improve the quality of services at MBJB itself,' he said at a press conference here today. He said the community can channel complaints, including through the MBJB Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) which is an online medium for managing complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from the public regarding the delivery system and services of MBJB. Mohd Haffiz also said MBJB is always committed to improving governance and transparency in service delivery. 'However, we realise that this responsibility cannot be shouldered alone. It requires collaboration, not only among government officials but also with the local community. 'Through this CIB, a platform for dialogue between communities can be established, in addition to identifying the real challenges at the grassroots level related to integrity and building solutions together based on integrity and shared ownership,' he added.
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Three JB areas pioneer community integrity programme
JOHOR BAHRU: Three areas in Johor Bahru have been selected as pilot models to enhance community awareness of integrity through the Community Integrity Building (CIB) programme. Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the programme, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), will involve the communities in Bandar Baru Uda, Bandar Dato Onn and Desa Cemerlang. He said the programme, among other things, aims to encourage collaboration between local authorities (PBT) and the community in forming an ethical and resilient community against corruption and abuse of power. 'Among the programme's goals and objectives is to increase public awareness and sensitivity to integrity issues occurring in their environment. 'With close cooperation with these communities, it is hoped that it will also improve the quality of services at MBJB itself,' he said at a press conference here today. He said the community can channel complaints, including through the MBJB Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) which is an online medium for managing complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from the public regarding the delivery system and services of MBJB. Mohd Haffiz also said MBJB is always committed to improving governance and transparency in service delivery. 'However, we realise that this responsibility cannot be shouldered alone. It requires collaboration, not only among government officials but also with the local community. 'Through this CIB, a platform for dialogue between communities can be established, in addition to identifying the real challenges at the grassroots level related to integrity and building solutions together based on integrity and shared ownership,' he added.
Malaysiakini
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
A tribute to our gentle statesman
LETTER | On April 15, Malaysia bade farewell to another exemplary Malaysian, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the country's fifth prime minister. Fondly known as Pak Lah, he was a leader of quiet strength, a man of principle, and a true patriot who steered Malaysia with wisdom and compassion. He, however, also had a share of being hounded by fellow politicians, all because he wanted to bring much-needed reform to the country. Reforming Malaysia is not easy, as there are forces at work opposing any change in the status quo. We see a similar situation being played out now as the unity government tries hard to bring the much-needed change. Born in Bayan Lepas, Penang, on Nov 26, 1939, Abdullah's journey in public service spanned decades, marked by his unwavering commitment to good governance, moderation, and national unity. He was prime minister from 2003 to 2009. His leadership was defined by his sincerity, approachability, and a deep respect for democratic values. I have listened to Pak Lah a few times talking about how he wanted to raise the country's level of scientific excellence. I once, by chance, met him on a Malaysia Airlines flight to Cairo. He was the deputy prime minister then. I was on the way to Cairo for a promotional seminar on palm oil. During the brief stopover in Beirut, we both stayed on board. We spoke and he told me that as the deputy PM, he was always given a book to read by then PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He showed me how the key sentences in the book were underlined for him. And he said he truly valued his boss. Serving the rakyat Under his administration, Malaysia saw significant reforms in the judiciary, anti-corruption efforts, and a push for greater transparency. His gentle demeanour belied a firm resolve to uphold justice and fairness, earning him the respect of both allies and adversaries. Abdullah's passing is a profound loss for Malaysia, but his legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened and the values he upheld. He reminded us that leadership is not about power, but about service; not about rhetoric, but about action. He placed country above self. His contributions helped shape a better Malaysia. While his tenure was not without criticism, many consider him among the better prime ministers. One of Abdullah's most enduring intellectual contributions was his promotion of Islam Hadhari, or 'Civilizational Islam.' It was a moderate, progressive interpretation of Islam that encouraged development, good governance, and scientific and cultural advancement in line with Islamic principles. In a way, it was quite close to the Madani initiative. This helped position Malaysia as a moderate Muslim-majority nation. It was also a message of tolerance, coexistence, and multiculturalism at a time when the global narrative around Islam was increasingly tense. Economic growth Abdullah launched the National Integrity Plan in 2004 and established the Malaysian Institute of Integrity to strengthen public ethics and integrity. He encouraged civil servants and the public sector to embrace good governance and transparency. Many Malaysians remember his tenure as a time when they could speak more freely and hope for reform. He focused on the economy, especially the agriculture and biotech sectors, to ensure rural development and food security. Under his leadership, agriculture was rebranded as a modern economic sector, offering better incomes and opportunities for rural communities. He also oversaw strong economic growth during his early years and continued policies that brought in foreign investment while reducing public debt. Abdullah placed strong emphasis on education and research and development. He significantly increased funding to universities and R&D, and supported autonomy for public universities. He envisioned a knowledge-based economy, recognising that Malaysia's long-term growth needed to be driven by human capital and innovation. Compared to previous eras, civil liberties expanded under Abdullah. The media landscape was relatively more open. The space for civil society and political discourse widened, and opposition leaders faced less repression than before. His leadership saw the 2008 general election, where the opposition made unprecedented gains, seen as proof of his commitment to fairer democratic processes, even if it weakened his own coalition. Calm control Abdullah was well-respected internationally. His mild and diplomatic style made Malaysia a more approachable and constructive player in Asean and global affairs. Malaysia's image abroad as a progressive, multi-ethnic, moderate Muslim country was reinforced under his stewardship. Unlike many politicians, Abdullah was seen as personally humble, soft-spoken, and uncorrupted. His leadership style was consultative, reflective, and inclusive, earning him quiet respect even among critics. While Abdullah may not have been the most assertive or politically aggressive leader, many Malaysians remember his tenure as a period of calm, moderation, and decency. He tried to move Malaysia towards greater openness, ethics in governance, and balanced development. His legacy lies not just in economic statistics, but in the values of moderation, accountability, and compassion he tried to embody. We need more leaders like him, a true statesman! AHMAD IBRAHIM is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and an associate fellow at Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
