KUCHING (Aug 22): Integrity is not something that can be inherited but must be built, nurtured, and safeguarded every day, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak director Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh.
He emphasised integrity begins with oneself and that excellent organisations are led by individuals who are honest, trustworthy, and transparent.
“I urge the staff of Politeknik Mukah to remain committed to making integrity a comprehensive work culture. Be agents of change in your respective departments and units.
“Advise with wisdom, report bravely, and uphold the truth no matter how difficult it may be,” he said.
Hasbilah made these remarks when officiating at the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Empowerment programme, themed ‘Membudaya Integriti, Mendukung Malaysia Madani’, jointly organised by MACC Sarawak and Politeknik Mukah on Wednesday.
He reminded civil servants that integrity was not just a noble value but also a duty to be upheld in every aspect of service – from administration and procurement management to daily decision-making.
“Leakages, abuse of power, and corruption in public service can undermine government policies and weaken public trust in institutions,” he cautioned.
In the context of Malaysia Madani, Hasbilah stressed that integrity is the foundation of accountability and responsibility.
“Without integrity, principles such as respect, compassion and trust cannot be realised,” he added.
Meanwhile, Politeknik Mukah director Suhaili Aleh, in his welcoming speech, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing integrity and accountability among staff and students.
“In higher education, the culture of integrity must be cultivated from the classroom so that our young generation excels not only in academics and technical skills but also develops a strong identity free from any form of misconduct or abuse of power,” he said.
He noted that corruption remains a major threat to the country as it weakens governance, erodes the economy, and diminishes public confidence in institutions.
“The organisation of this programme is important as it raises awareness about the value of integrity and the risks of corruption. Hopefully, it will be a starting point for strengthening a work culture based on honesty, transparency and accountability,” he said.
Suhaili also highlighted the Politeknik Mukah’s role in producing highly skilled graduates who are not only technically capable but also ethical.
“These values are essential to ensure they become a professional workforce that can be trusted and contribute responsibly to the country’s economic development,” he added.
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