MADANI GOVT'S FOCUS ON INTEGRITY, GOOD GOVERNANCE BENEFITS STATES TOO – ACADEMICS

By Rohana Nasrah

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government's emphasis on integrity and good governance has become a key pillar of the federal administration and has benefited the states as well, according to two academics. 

This focus by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is aimed not only at “cleaning up” the federal administration of negative elements but also at serving as a critical catalyst for socio-economic development at the state level, particularly in Sabah.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) deputy dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (Research, Innovation and Commercialisation) Associate Professor Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said Anwar's firm stance on good governance is clearly reflected in the establishment of the Malaysia MADANI Framework.

The framework, he said, places effective governance, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption as its core principles, in addition to a firm commitment to strengthening integrity at all levels, comprehensively and without compromise.

“This includes reforms in public procurement and more transparent tender processes, demonstrating a strong political commitment to cleansing the nation’s administration of leakages and abuse of power,” he told Bernama.

Syahruddin, who is also with the UMS Sabah Geopolitical and Electoral Research Unit (GeoPes), said among the good-governance practices prioritised by the federal government are full transparency in government procurement and tender processes, especially through the e-Procurement system.

He said the MADANI Government is also committed to strengthening internal controls in agencies and ministries by reinstating and tightening Financial Procedures and Public Asset Management Guidelines.

“The declaration of assets by members of the administration, as well as the drafting of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Bill, also demonstrates determination to ensure fiscal accountability and reduce opportunities for leakages and abuse of power, thereby safeguarding prudent use of public funds,” he said.

According to Syahruddin, good governance practices have a positive impact on national development, including in Sabah, as transparency and integrity help boost investor confidence and attract more direct investment to the state, which is rich in natural resources.

“This ensures that development allocations — especially under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 — can be channelled and utilised fairly, efficiently and effectively, reducing leakages and the misuse of funds which often hinder the progress of infrastructure projects.

“As a result, Sabah’s socio-economic development can be accelerated and the people’s living standards improved,” he said, adding that good governance practices also help create high professional standards within the public service and political sphere.

Syahruddin said he is confident that the Prime Minister will continue to use public platforms and Cabinet meetings to emphasise integrity as a prerequisite for any government position or project, including reviewing mega projects approved without proper tender processes.

“This involves drastic measures such as strengthening the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and ensuring no political interference in investigations,” he said, adding that Anwar’s emphasis on fiscal discipline shows readiness to take unpopular decisions for the country’s long-term good.

Meanwhile, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah, Dr Arvin Tajari, said Anwar’s commitment to good governance has been evident since his first speech after taking over as Prime Minister three years ago.

Arvin believes this commitment is likely due to the many challenges inherited by the MADANI Government, which required Anwar to take significant steps to strengthen governance in the national administration, effectively making it a national agenda.

“His emphasis on good governance has become almost a constant refrain, reminding civil servants to prioritise this aspect in their service to the community,” he said.

He said an issue of governance that is particularly important to the Prime Minister is the fight against corruption.

“If corruption in Malaysia is not curbed and dealt with firmly, it will drag the country into ruin. Nations in which corruption becomes entrenched, and where leaders fail to contain or combat it, will inevitably suffer negative consequences for both the country and its people,” he said. 

According to Arvin, the Prime Minister’s strong stance on good governance is reflected not only in his actions but also in the firm tone of his speeches, serving as a warning to any leader who fails to uphold these values in their administration.

“This is also crucial and highly beneficial when translated into the context of Sabah, especially in relation to state development involving infrastructure projects, which have long been a concern for the state government,” he said.

-- BERNAMA