“Ranks, titles, awards, or positions mean little if we have not fulfilled our duties with honesty and dedication. Do our ideas truly uplift the nation and help those who are marginalised? These are questions of values and responsibility that must be instilled within us to purify intentions and strengthen integrity.”
– Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
THESE days, success is often measured by numbers – rankings, ratings, or how much we’ve achieved on paper. But in chasing results, many of us forget the real meaning of service: why we do what we do.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reminder at the National Development Symposium and Awards (SPAPN) in Putrajaya last week could not have come at a better time. His message wasn’t just for civil servants – it was for everyone who plays a role, big or small, in building this nation.
He spoke about sincerity, integrity, and responsibility – values that may sound simple, but are becoming rare. Titles, ranks, or awards don’t mean much if our work isn’t done with honesty and heart.
These are sobering words and it’s a truth worth repeating. Too often, work becomes routine. We follow procedures, tick boxes, and move papers, but forget the people and purpose behind them. This happens not only in government offices, but in almost every workplace, public and private alike.
Integrity that comes from the heart
Integrity, as the Prime Minister reminded, isn’t just about avoiding wrongdoing or following the rules. It’s about doing what’s right even when nobody is watching. It’s about showing up every day with the right intention – to make things better, not just to get things done.
And as the Prime Minister asked, “Do our ideas truly uplift the nation and help those who are marginalised?” That question applies to all of us. Whether you’re a teacher, journalist, clerk, or leader, our work should make someone’s life a little better – not harder.
When decisions are made without sincerity or compassion, the people who suffer are often those who have the least. Real progress is not about the size of budgets or buildings, but about how deeply we care for the people affected by them.
Don’t let comfort dull our drive
Anwar also reminded us that Malaysia’s economy is doing well – investments are growing, the ringgit is stronger, and unemployment is low. But he cautioned against becoming too comfortable.
Complacency, he said, is dangerous. And he’s right. The moment we think we’ve “arrived”, we stop improving. Progress doesn’t stop at good results – it continues through reflection, hard work, and humility.
Every organisation, whether in government or the private sector, needs people who don’t settle for “good enough”. We need people who still care, who ask how they can serve better, who see their job not just as work, but as a way to contribute to something bigger.
A nation built on sincerity
The Prime Minister painted a powerful picture – imagine if half a million civil servants stood up with a renewed sense of purpose, rejecting corruption, abuse of power, and politics of division. Imagine if they worked together, sincerely, to lift this country higher.
That kind of awakening doesn’t require slogans or grand speeches. It starts with small acts – being honest in our work, treating people with respect, and giving our best even when nobody notices.
Real change begins with intention. When our hearts are in the right place, everything else follows. Policies become meaningful, actions become sincere, and service becomes something we’re proud of.
At the end of the day, it isn’t about the position we hold or the medals we wear. What truly matters is how well we’ve served the people who depend on us. When we work sincerely – not for praise, but for purpose – we are not merely fulfilling a duty.
We are serving the very soul of the organisation we represent, and ultimately, the nation we call home.
Disclaimer:
Aden Nagrace is the Editor-in-Chief of Sarawak Tribune. The views expressed here are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s editorial stance. He can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com
