Calls grow for AI systems and reforms to boost transparency, curb graft and strengthen oversight in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: As the government steps up efforts to curb corruption, abuse of power and leakages of public funds, calls are mounting for systemic reforms to close gaps in oversight and strengthen transparency.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the current system – often bogged down by complex procedures and weak oversight – continues to create opportunities for corruption.
“When a single official holds the power to approve permits or allocate funds without clear public scrutiny, the potential for corruption significantly increases.”
He added that lengthy and complicated processes also fuel delays which in turn create demand for “grease payments” – unofficial fees to expedite services.
“In some cases, small tokens of appreciation or favours become so common that they are viewed as a standard part of doing business, blurring ethical lines.”
Lee said many potential whistleblowers are deterred by a perceived lack of protection, making them reluctant to report wrongdoing.
He said to address these concerns, the government should look towards high-tech and transparent systems to reduce human discretion and strengthen accountability.
He proposed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that allows the public to monitor every stage of a project’s financial process, ensuring that every allocated ringgit is accounted for.
“The public can view tender winners, track progress and monitor current spending, offering an immediate, transparent audit trail.”
Lee said such transparency would serve as a strong deterrent to misconduct.
He added that AI could also analyse large volumes of contracts to detect suspicious trends such as repeated bidding patterns among the same companies or unusual price increases for common goods.
He also suggested the use of virtual reality simulations to strengthen ethics training among civil servants by placing them in realistic, ethically challenging scenarios.
Lee said the government should improve incentives for whistleblowers to encourage reporting of corruption.
“These can create a more robust, transparent and efficient system, tackling corruption head-on and delivering results at an unprecedented pace.”
