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CORRUPTION in Malaysia can only be eradicated through firm leadership and unwavering political will, according to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki, who cautioned that enforcement alone is not enough to tackle the problem.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience in enforcement and anti-corruption efforts, Azam said meaningful progress requires leadership that is resolute, consistent and uncompromising.
“After more than 42 years in this field, I would like to conclude one very clear point, namely that corruption cannot be eradicated through law enforcement alone.
“Instead, it can be combated when there is firm and uncompromising leadership, aligned with consistent and unwavering enforcement.
“In addition, close cooperation between government agencies and the private sector is also important, while the public must be nurtured with awareness to reject corruption and uphold integrity,” he said during a keynote address at a national discourse programme.
He emphasised that the success or failure of any anti-corruption framework ultimately depends not on the strength of laws, but on the resolve of those in leadership positions.
“Even in the absence of a perfect system, reforms and progress towards more efficient, transparent and robust governance will take place under such leadership,” he said.
Azam pointed to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as a comprehensive and proactive initiative aimed at strengthening integrity and governance across the country.
“It is a living document and Malaysia’s main framework to enhance integrity, promote good governance and prevent corruption comprehensively in order to drive administrative reform,” he said.
However, he warned that even the most well-designed systems would fail in the absence of strong leadership.
“If leadership is weak or compromised, it will still fail no matter how good the system is.
“Therefore, leadership is not a choice but a necessity to ensure that efforts to combat corruption and strengthen integrity and governance remain on the right track,” he said. - April 7, 2026