INTEGRITY is a major aspect in good governance and key towards ensuring transparency, accountability and trust in the public sector.
This rings especially true when it involves the Finance Ministry (MoF), whose mission, among others, includes efficient, transparent and effective management of public funds with integrity to achieve the nation's development goals.
In this ministry, whose functions include preparing financial management and accounting procedures, principles and processes, matters of integrity would naturally be a priority for its staff.
As a whole, the government has already acknowledged the importance of upholding integrity within the civil service by creating Integrity Units (UI) as centres for management of all integrity-related issues in public agencies.
As stated in the Human Resources Services Circular (PPSM) Version 1.0 (2022) (previously PP Series 6 Year 2013), the unit was created to ensure civil servants uphold an exemplary work culture with solid morals and ethics, thus uplifting the spirit of patriotism.
Indirectly, this initiative will also curb criminal practices as well as breach of organisational code of ethics and conduct among public servants.
By enforcing specific standards, UI in the public sector can ensure that civil servants act professionally and responsibly while upholding values such as honesty, transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, UI in the private sector also plays a proactive role in promoting integrity and ethics via training programmes, workshops and awareness campaigns.
By educating the private sector on the importance of upholding integrity in their work, this can foster a culture of honesty and transparency.
Based on experience in the MoF, UI can also become a source of reference for civil servants in ministries, departments and agencies on issues of integrity and governance.
In many cases, UI can also serve as a facilitator when related issues in relevant agencies crop up, and become a direct channel to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The presence of UI can also act as a 'watchman' for civil servants, invoking a sense of fear against committing crime or any breach of conduct.
In terms of streamlining and reporting, the Agency Integrity Management Division (BPIA) of the MACC can streamline the unit's functions. This division is also responsible for preparing integrity management policies and mechanisms for agencies.
To ensure effective implementation of integrity management, Integrity Unit heads must regularly present implementation reports to the ministries' chief secretaries or department heads, and the BPIA, MACC.
The establishment of UIs in Malaysia also reflect the government's commitment to encouraging good governance and battling corruption.
By mustering all civil servants to be responsible for their actions and encouraging ethical conduct, this will indirectly build trust among the public in the government and its institutions.
In summary, UI plays a significant role in ensuring the integrity of the public sector in Malaysia. It is important that the government continues to support and strengthen UI to uphold integrity and good governance in the public sector in order to achieve an excellent public delivery system.
The writer is the Treasury's Integrity Unit chief