According to Tan Sri Azam Baki, effectively addressing corruption necessitates more than mere legislation and enforcement; it necessitates robust leadership, systemic restructuring, and a collective societal dedication to maintaining integrity.
The head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) stated that corruption has undergone significant changes over the course of the last forty years, transforming from individual, minor incidents to intricate, transnational criminal activities that are facilitated by advanced financial systems and technology.
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“Corruption today is no longer confined to isolated acts but has grown into organised and transnational activities,” he said in his keynote address at the Wacana Ilmiah Perdana program.
Azam emphasized that corruption originates not only from breaches of the law but also from deficiencies in governing structures, particularly evident during Malaysia's periods of swift advancement when integrity was not prioritized.
“While laws can punish wrongdoing, only integrity can prevent it,” he said.
He observed that relying solely on enforcement measures is inadequate, emphasizing that the MACC has implemented a comprehensive strategy centered around enforcement, prevention, and effective administration.
Azam emphasized the importance of leadership and a robust political determination in guaranteeing the efficacy of initiatives against corrupt practices. He pointed to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028 as a pivotal blueprint to enhance governance and promote accountability.
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He emphasized the importance of education in fostering integrity, citing programs like the Wira Anti-Corruption campaign and the mandatory Integrity and Anti-Corruption Course (Kiar) in universities.
“To tackle increasingly complex risks, we are shifting towards a proactive, data-driven approach, including the use of analytics and a Corruption Risk Register to identify high-risk sectors.
“Our goal is to build systems where corruption becomes difficult to occur,” he said.
Azam emphasized the importance of cooperation among government entities, the private sector, the media, and the general public, especially in combatting organized corruption that extends across borders.
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He recognized that establishing public trust continues to present a challenge, emphasizing the need to build it through open communication and reliable behavior. Azam cautioned the youth about the dangers of becoming complacent about corruption, emphasizing the importance of upholding integrity through consistent decision-making.
“Corruption will not end through fear of punishment, but through the courage to choose integrity,” he said.