KUCHING: In terms of corruption, Malaysia on a global level is not bad comparatively, but there is a lot more that needs to be done, says Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
“The problem (of corruption) is endemic worldwide. However, based on Transparency International’s survey of Corruption Perceptions Index in 2018, Malaysia ranked 61st out of 175 countries worldwide,” he said.
Thus, he said it was SEDC’s hope that via its Integrity Day organised regularly, they could reaffirm their joint commitment and determination in getting rid of corrupt practices in the workplace.
“This is also to boost good corporate governance culture, which SEDC has always strongly advocated among its staff members,” he said when speaking at the SEDC Integrity Day 2020 at Riverside Majestic Hotel here yesterday.
Citing a United Nations study, Abdul Aziz said it was estimated that the value of corruption and bribery had amounted to over $3.6 trillion per annum worldwide.
“In terms of monetary value, corruption does not benefit anybody and it is a great loss to the society,” he said.
He said that integrity was always being upheld and emphasised by SEDC as they believed this was one of their strongest traits — recognised among their stakeholders, peers in the industry, and also the communities which nurture the organisation’s growth.
“Prevention is always the best cure and we must uphold corrupt practice prevention measures that are crucial in ensuring the process of integrity is alive and not merely a mantra,” he emphasised.
Abdul Aziz said that for this year’s Integrity Day, SEDC and its subsidiaries had organised various activities for staff, aimed at reinforcing commitment in combating malpractices in the workplace, getting rid of abuse of position, and eradicating corruption.
“Together, I believe we can achieve this and we must get rid of corruption and malpractices which can lead to disastrous consequences if such corporate ills are left unattended or not nipped in the bud,” he said.
He pointed out that in further cementing their integrity and good governance values, SEDC had established its own Integrity Unit in August last year.
The event was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Assistant Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; and Assistant Ministers of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais and Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.
