KUCHING: All public servants have been urged to uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency as core principles in strengthening Sarawak’s governance and ensuring sustainable development for the people.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Murshid Diraja Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya stressed on stronger moral discipline, accountability and ethical governance across all sectors to safeguard Sarawak’s development agenda from the threat of corruption.
“The theme for this year, ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ places the focus on our younger generation. However, it carries a deeper message for all public servants and frontliners: you are the reflection, example, and architects of a cleaner future we wish to pass on,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the launch of the International Anti-Corruption Day (HARA) 2025 Sarawak-level celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Friday.
He said the observance of International Anti-Corruption Day is not merely an annual ceremony, but “a manifestation of the global and national commitment to strengthening clean, transparent and accountable governance.”
“Empowering youth begins with us,” he said, aligning the message with Sarawak’s aspiration under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which places integrity, good governance and transparency at the heart of all development efforts.
Highlighting Sarawak’s leadership in institutional reforms, he said the establishment of Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) and the first Ombudsman law in Malaysia reflects the state government’s firm determination to embed accountability and efficiency in public administration.
He also reminded all public servants, both federal and state, to uphold their trust and responsibilities with integrity, free from corruption and abuse of power.
“Corruption is the root of all crimes. As long as it persists, it drives people to lose moral judgment and commit unlawful acts,” he warned, urging government personnel to translate anti-corruption slogans into concrete action.
Juanda also commended the continuous efforts by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and UNIONS in expanding anti-corruption awareness through the Certified Integrity Officer (CeIO) programme and Organisational Anti-Corruption Plans (OACP).
He called for renewed determination to make Sarawak a clean, accountable, and integrity-driven state.
“Integrity is not an option; it is the foundation of success and blessing,” he said.
