KEYNOTE ADDRESS

 

BY

 

YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

 

FOR

 

MALAYSIA’S CONFERENCE ON INTEGRITY AND GOVERNANCE 2025

 

  

15^th JULY 2025 | 4:30 PM

BORA OMBAK, PUTRAJAYA

Assalammualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam Sejahtera.

YB Azalina Othman,

Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri;

YBhg Tan Sri Shamsul Azri
bin Abu Bakar,

Ketua Setiausaha Negara;

YB Tuan M.Kulasegaran a/l V.Murugeson

Timbalan Menteri;

Ketua Audit Negara; dan

Rakan-rakan yang saya muliakan.

1. Saya ucap tahniah setinggi-tingginya kepada Azalina dan jabatan kerana menganjurkan persidangan yang relevan dengan perbincangan semasa yang menjadi di antara tunggak dalam negara MADANI seperti mana kita sebut soal tatakelola, tantanan negara merupakan satu keutamaan, kerana tanpa kekuatan, pentadbiran dan pimpinan serta jentera yang tunduk kepada beberapa prinsip, perundangan, ketelusan, integriti dan amanah tidak mungkin kita boleh pacu pertumbuhan yang lebih menyegarkan.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

1. Of course, is real honour privilege to dress you on the subject of integrity and good governance. And i must commend, of course, the minister for her commitment, i used to say the lighter vein, there were one lady minister that can not only equal but surpass 5 other ministers. So, if people talk by under representation by the ladies in the cabinet, they should hear Azalina in her strong position in articulating issues of governance of integrity uncompromising, I of course need to thank and salute for her commitment and her support.

2. This is not exaggeration, i’m saying, because i chair the cabinet meetings and normally i tend to look to the left to avoid her intervention because sometimes it can be quite challenging. But at most occasions, i must say that she represented the voice of reason, voice of conscience and a clear commitment to affect change and reform in this country, which we need critically. We inherit the system in the time when there was so much talk about endemic corruption and poor governance and this time therefore, to make all the necessary changes. It’s unfortunate that yesterday when you arrived, probably you what is being projected is of course the issue of the judicial independence. May i assured you that now coming to my exceeding 2 1/2 years in office, i’m not discussed with any judge, one case not with the chief judge, not with any judge. I adhere to the principles of judicial independence. But of course, concerns express and i must take note of those concerns because firstly, with the delay of appointments, and secondly because of the perception there’s some appointments to the key positions in the office judiciary may be somewhat compromised, projecting candidates, that is being questioned or questionable to some, but i may show you this is not the case. I’m sure my friends in the legal fraternity would respect the fact that we must work based on the law and the facts not the perception and leave the issue of perception to politicians because then only we can continue governing.

3. This morning i had of course lengthy discussion with the council rulers, Majlis Raja-raja and i think let them decide. And tomorrow, hopefully, there’ll be an announcement would clearly dispel these so-called negative perceptions. But as you know in politics and i hope it does not affect the position of the bar council, because that was what they believe in and although i’ve vehemently denied it did not satisfy at least some of them, probably some political ploys. But now that this is not the case. I don’t want them to come and say no, no, no, you did it because you were under pressure, as Azalina knows that, the Chief Secretary knows the fact that there was never a case and names have been, you know questioned or what? seemed to be compromised has never been presented to the king of the Malay Rulers.

4. So, I rest my case, and I hope, insya-Allah, when the announcement’s made, things will prove that this government, the MADANI government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence.

5. Now, your presence underscores a crucial truth defining our nation’s trajectory: the fight against corruption is not merely a moral imperative, but the driver for robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic development.

6. Corruption, in all its insidious forms, poses a direct threat to economic progress and national harmony. It inflates the cost of doing business, distorts fair competition, stifles innovation, and deters both domestic and foreign investment.

7. Corruption diverts public funds from essential sectors such as critical infrastructure, quality education, and accessible healthcare. It creates an uneven playing field, disadvantaging ethical businesses and hindering the equitable distribution of economic benefits. Furthermore, it often leads to short-sighted decisions that exploit our natural resources without regard for future generations.

8. Now, we have called experts on issues of corruption. Well, let me share with you that corruption does not only involve political leaders and the government. It extends into private companies, highlighting the need for corporate leaders to act ethically and champion good governance within their organizations. This is a fundamental requirement for sustainable business and a powerful deterrent against corruption.

9. We, the government, are tackling corruption head-on, guided by the principles of sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust. Then, you have a very effective anti-corruption commission determined to act forcibly and give a clear message that there’s zero tolerance for corruption in this country.

10. If at all this is my dream, I want to make sure that this country, in a matter of years, can emerge as one of the most dynamic emerging economies that is clearly strong, committed, and free from endemic corruption. And this is, of course, a position that should be shared with full commitment not only by the minister and the ministry, but the government, the Chief Secretary, the entire force, Auditor General, and of course, a forceful, strong, formidable, courageous Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

11. So, our promise to end corruption is absolute—to bring back integrity to our institutions, protect public interests, and rebuild public trust. This effort becomes even more important as Malaysia takes on the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. Our focus will be to boost economic development across the region under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

12. Our fight for integrity is deeply connected to our wider economic plans. In the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia’s economy grew by 4.4%. Thanks to the strong local demand and ongoing investments. We believe that an unwavering commitment to combating corruption will enhance national and regional competitiveness, foster a dynamic business environment, and ensure inclusive growth that reaches all segments of society, especially youth, the minorities, and the marginalized communities. This is central to securing the region’s long-term sustainability.

13. Our progress in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) serves as a vital benchmark. The nation is dedicated to continuous improvements towards its target of being among the top 25 countries globally in the CPI within the next decade by 2033, as outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028, alluded to by Minister YB Azalina.

14. We are equally committed to strengthening our governance and institutional frameworks to promote accountability, transparency, and public trust. And again, Malaysia’s current role as President of the International Anti-corruption Academy Assembly of Parties for its 13th session, a historic first for our country underscores our determination to lead by example in global anti-corruption efforts.

15. Now, ladies and gentlemen we are now in the process of amending some very critical legislation. Number one, the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 [Act 711] to provide broader and more meaningful safeguards this includes removing previous exclusions, the limited protection and establishing an independent Whistleblower Protection Committee to ensure effective implementation.

16. Secondly, we will also introduce a Freedom of Information Act to strengthen transparency and give the public access real access to government decisions, this is a vital step to in building public trust and encouraging informed participation in our democracy. We’ll bring this law to parliament by the end of the year if it is late as Azalina’s fault as always, so that the public can hold us to account, can you do it by the end of the year? Done. You see, before I ask you and she has already anticipated my question difficult cabinet member.

17. Now these reforms reflect our holistic and determined approach to building strong, fair and transparent institution institutions that serve all militias with integrity.

18. Let this conference be a catalyst for meaningful and tangible change in our policies, our institutions and our collective culture. We commend the companies and business leaders who have embraced the corporate integrity pledge and taken real steps to embed ethics and transparency in their operations. The government urges all businesses, especially our SMEs, to adopt strong governance practices and to work together with us in building a national culture of integrity that drives sustainable, inclusive growth.

19. Now the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. I used to assume, at least when I was in the position is an easy task. Now realize, is a tough, challenging, formidable task, not necessarily popular, particularly when you start probing into the big tycoons and very-very rich political billionaires. They combine their forces and make your life more miserable, but we must remain determined, because the action must involve every segment of society with courage to stand together to defend transparency, fairness, and justice.

20. Together let us build a future where integrity is our shared foundation, where trust is strong and where progress truly uplifts every generation.

Terima Kasih, Thank you.