KUCHING: Integrity cannot be enforced by law alone, it must begin at home, practised consistently, and upheld without fear or double standards.
Speaking at the launch of Integrity Book at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Auditorium today, Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said integrity must be cultivated from the earliest stage of life, beginning within the family unit.
She stressed that character formation starts at home long before formal education begins.
“The strength of a nation begins in the home. A child learns integrity by observing parents, whether they keep their promises, whether they are honest, and whether they are fair,” she said.
She added that while policies and education systems play a role, true national progress depends on consistent values demonstrated through daily actions.
“Children may not always remember what we say, but they will always remember what we do,” she said.
She added, at a time when the nation continues to grapple with rising ethical challenges in both public and private sectors, integrity must remain the cornerstone of leadership, governance, and society, describing it as a ‘domino effect’ that begins at home and extends all the way to national institutions.
Fatimah emphasised that integrity goes beyond anti-corruption efforts, describing it as a broader moral framework rooted in character and values.
“Integrity is not just about fighting corruption. It is about values, character, and moral strength. Therefore, integrity must be nurtured not only in government institutions but also at home, in schools, workplaces, and society,” she said.
She further highlighted the foundational role of families and education in shaping ethical citizens, warning that national progress cannot be sustained by policy alone.
“The future of our society depends not only on what we teach children, but also on what we show them through our actions.
“In today’s rapidly changing world, where social media spreads information instantly, ethical challenges are greater than ever. In such times, integrity becomes even more important as a guiding principle,” she said.
Fatimah also pointed out that when integrity is upheld, it creates a ripple effect across society, strengthening trust, improving institutional performance, enhancing safety, and reinforcing family and community resilience, ultimately contributing to national stability and prosperity.
She also emphasised that integrity must not remain a slogan but a way of life embedded across all levels of society.
“I also wish to express my deepest respect to Tan Sri Ayob Khan, who is widely recognised not only as a distinguished enforcement leader, but also as a man who does not merely speak about integrity, he lives it, breathes it, and demonstrates it consistently through his leadership, decisions, and actions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ayob Khan, who is Deputy Inspector General of Police, in his address, issued a stern reminder that corruption and integrity issues remain deeply linked and must be addressed with firm enforcement and without compromise.
He warned that without seriousness in tackling integrity issues, the nation risks long-term damage.
“If integrity is not handled properly, the next generation will inherit a weakened nation. We are not progressing, we are regressing,” he said.
He stressed that enforcement alone is insufficient unless supported by strong values from society, institutions, and leadership.
“Integrity is not a slogan. If we only talk but do not act, nothing will change,” he said.
He also highlighted that integrity must be applied consistently without fear or favour.
“There must be no double standards. Action must be taken regardless of position, rank, or status,” he said.
Also present at the event were Batu Kitang state assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, the icon behind the book, Dato Mohd Yusoff Jaafar, the author of the book, Leonard Sabu and other guests.
