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- Strengthening Integrity: Combating Corruption, Abuse Of Power And Leakages In Public Service
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors.
When public servants act with honesty and uphold the law, public funds are directed toward meaningful development, and trust in government institutions is reinforced.
A clean and trustworthy public service is the backbone of any nation's progress. Integrity and transparency are essential for effective governance because they ensure the country's administration functions effectively.
Public servants driven by values of justice and impartiality make decisions that benefit the people rather than personal interests. This commitment improves the quality of public services across sectors, from education and healthcare to security and infrastructure.
To ensure efficient policy implementation and protect public resources, integrity must be embedded at all levels of governance. A transparent administration safeguards public welfare, strengthens national security, and helps prevent criminal activities.
The government's top priority must be to eliminate corruption and abuse of power, the two destructive forces that can weaken national stability and economic performance. Corruption not only misuses public funds but also results in poor service delivery, social injustice, and a decline in public confidence.
A major concern for any administration, especially for a new government formed after a general election, is how to earn and maintain public trust. Citizens expect transparency, fairness, and accountability from leaders and civil servants alike.
Only a leadership team with strong ethical foundations can command lasting public support. When civil servants carry out their duties with integrity, they gain respect from the public.
This builds public confidence and encourages greater civic engagement in national development efforts.
Leaders with integrity must prioritise the public good and base all decisions on principles of fairness and equity. Development initiatives must aim to eradicate poverty, enhance living standards and promote unity among diverse communities.
However, despite reforms and policy initiatives by the country's leadership, concerns about misconduct in public service still persist. If not addressed decisively, these issues will erode the governance ecosystem and disrupt service delivery.
It is therefore critical to implement continuous and comprehensive measures to root out corruption and abuse of power at all levels and in all government agencies.
A look at the numbers
According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC or SPRM in Malay), from January to October 2024, a total of 1,257 individuals were arrested in corruption-related cases. Of these, 545 (43.4%) were public servants while the remaining 712 individuals (56.6%) were from the private sector and the general public.
The statement added that nearly 70% of complaints received involved public procurement, including abuse of power, bribery and fraudulent claims.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has openly acknowledged the troubling levels of public servant involvement in corruption. Such misconduct damages Malaysia's global reputation and deters foreign investment.
Beyond enforcement, he emphasised the need for holistic reforms and a unified effort involving all sectors of society.
Resolving the issue of integrity cannot be done in isolation. It must be resolved with a comprehensive and coordinated approach by all stakeholders including government agencies, civil societies, NGOs, and the private sector.
MACC's mandate and the duty of public servants
It is true that more needs to be done to clean up the public sector. While the government has enacted policies and laws to strengthen governance, enforcement alone is not enough.
The MACC, as an independent agency empowered by the MACC Act 2009, plays a vital role in investigations. It has all the powers needed without having to rely on referrals from other parties.
Yet public servants themselves are the stewards of integrity. They must lead by example and uphold the trust placed in them by the public.
National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028
To address ongoing integrity challenges, the government has launched the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, building on the foundation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) introduced in 2019.
As a comprehensive blueprint to tackle governance, integrity and corruption issues, the NACP saw notable progress, helping Malaysia rise in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) from 61st place in 2018 to 51st in 2019.
By the end of 2023, eighty-five of 111 initiatives under NACP were successfully implemented, a 77% completion rate.
NACS aims to continue this momentum, aligning with the Malaysia MADANI vision to enhance citizen well-being. However, achieving real progress will require collective commitment from political leaders, public institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.
Only through united effort can the public service achieve excellence marked by clean, ethical governance, free from corruption and abuse of power.
Expanding partnerships for a corruption-free future
As the key agency in fighting corruption, MACC has been expanding its strategic partnerships with both local and international bodies to enhance professionalism and expertise in law enforcement.
One notable international collaboration was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2025 with the Special International Risk and Advance Security (SIRAS) Academy, Europe's largest security training centre based in Denmark. This partnership provides MACC officers with access to global best practices in protection and security training.
Domestically, MACC collaborates closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) and institutions like the Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (ELMU), a university specialising in law enforcement education.
The MACC–ELMU collaboration was formalised through an MoU between Yayasan Prihatin SPRM and ELMU Foundation, aiming to further professionalise MACC officers and enhance public service delivery.
ELMU's Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Kassim Noor Mohamed, affirmed the institution's commitment to advancing capacity building, continuous learning and leadership training for enforcement professionals.
The opening of a MACA representative office at ELMU further marks a significant step in shaping a more ethical, knowledgeable and resilient public service, as well as strengthening ties and expanding cooperation with enforcement agencies in areas of governance, leadership and education.
ELMU's presence in the integrity and law enforcement education ecosystem is highly welcomed. With its headquarters in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, ELMU began operations in February last year and welcomed its first intake in October.
The university offers 11 academic programmes across various levels ranging from Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's to PhD levels, with specialisations in areas such as criminology, forensic investigation, fraud, and crisis management.
Towards a future of integrity and accountability
The partnership between MACC and ELMU, under the leadership of Tan Sri Azam Baki and Prof Datuk Dr Kassim Noor Mohamed, represents a united front in Malaysia's fight against corruption, abuse of power, and financial leakages in public service.
A corruption-free administration is the key to upholding national sovereignty, safeguarding the nation's global reputation, and restoring the people's trust in their government.
-- BERNAMA
Mohamad Letfee Ahmad, a former BERNAMA TV Programme Manager, currently serves as a Media Consultant at the Marketing and Communications Department of ELMU University.
