KUCHING: Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya, has urged the younger generation to embrace integrity as a core value, describing it as the foundation of leadership, good governance, and the future of Sarawak.
He reminded students that integrity encompasses not only honesty but also accountability, fairness, and responsibility, as highlighted at the closing of the Sarawak Premier’s Cup Integrity Forum Competition 2025 at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak yesterday.
“Without integrity, the success we build will not last. Integrity safeguards the dignity of individuals, organisations, and even the state itself.
“It is crucial for sustaining Sarawak’s prosperity and ensuring the aspirations of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.”
He said the forum was a meaningful platform for university and college students to hone their public speaking, critical thinking, and debating skills.
“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Integrity must begin within, in your studies, your friendships, and your daily actions.
“With discipline, honesty, and responsibility, you will be ready to lead communities and organisations in the future.”
He stressed that strengthening a culture of integrity is a shared responsibility between government, educational institutions, and the community.
He pointed to ongoing initiatives by the Unit Integriti dan Ombudsman Sarawak (Unions), including the University Student Integrity Enhancement Programme (PIMU) and the Borneo International Integrity Summit (BIIS) 2025, as part of broader efforts to nurture ethical and responsible leaders.
“All participants here are winners for speaking out with confidence and responsibility.
“May this experience inspire you to reject unethical practices and uphold the values that will shape Sarawak into a prosperous and competitive state.”
He also invited all participants to join the upcoming Sarawak Integrity Day 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Aug 28, where the first, second, and third prize winners of the forum will be announced.
The competition saw participation from 10 institutions of higher learning across Sarawak: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak Branch, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak, Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Rajang, IPG Batu Lintang, IPG Tun Abdul Razak, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, Politeknik Metro Betong Sarawak, Sarawak Skills, and SEGi College Sarawak.
Unimas was awarded Best Montage, taking home RM1,000 and a certificate.
Seven other teams received consolation prizes worth RM1,500 each, along with books published by DBP and certificates.
