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MALAYSIA must adopt a more strategic and research-driven approach to governance in order to confront corruption in the era of digital transformation, open data, and cross-border economies, said Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Speaking at the 4th National Conference on Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption at the Movenpick Convention Centre on Thursday, Azam emphasised the importance of empirical research in crafting evidence-based policies that are effective, focused and resilient.
“In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the fight against corruption and the push for greater transparency demand high-impact research grounded in facts and evidence,” he said.
“Empirical studies are vital in identifying weaknesses and gaps in policy, implementation and existing systems. Without accurate data and thorough analysis, we risk introducing policies that fail to address the real needs of the people and the nation.”
The conference, which brought together 10 Malaysian universities and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), showcased research initiatives aimed at bolstering governance and integrity across various sectors. Participating institutions included Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaya (UM) and others.
Azam expressed confidence that the findings would offer significant insights for policymakers and legislators in crafting impactful anti-corruption strategies.
“Research providing data on risks and governance gaps will help stakeholders devise more effective strategies to close off opportunities for leakage, manipulation and corruption,” he said.
He cited examples from nations such as Hong Kong, Austria and South Korea, where data-driven anti-corruption policies have not only exposed systemic weaknesses but also triggered meaningful administrative reform and improved economic competitiveness.
“Countries that have succeeded in implementing anti-corruption measures began with comprehensive research and risk assessments,” he said, adding that Estonia’s phased rollout of its X-Road digital governance system, following rigorous feasibility studies, now serves as one of Eastern Europe’s most advanced public sector models.
Azam’s remarks were supported by Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who called for Malaysia’s public sector to be fully prepared to face the governance challenges of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the context of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13), which envisions the country as an AI-driven economy by 2030.
“The rapid development of smart technologies under the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping how people work, communicate and make decisions,” Shamsul Azri said in his opening speech.
He noted that countries such as South Korea have successfully integrated AI and blockchain technologies into public procurement via platforms such as the Korea Online e-Procurement System to prevent document fraud and manipulation.
“Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has also developed an AI Risk Diagnosis Prediction Platform to assess vulnerabilities within public systems that may threaten national security,” he added.
Shamsul Azri said AI’s capability to analyse vast quantities of data makes it a powerful tool for detecting suspicious financial activity and issuing early warnings about potential misconduct.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on good governance as a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive development under RMKe-13.
In line with this, Malaysia is pressing ahead with public sector reforms through legal and institutional initiatives, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act, amendments to the Audit Act 1957, the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act, and updates to the Whistleblower Protection and Public Procurement Acts.
“These reforms demonstrate our commitment to stronger governance, which is being recognised internationally,” he said.
Malaysia has climbed 11 places in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), moving from 34th to 23rd position. Notably, the country improved by 12 spots in the ‘Bribery and Corruption’ indicator.
“This rise reflects growing confidence within the business community in the government’s anti-corruption agenda,” said Shamsul Azri.
He added that continued improvements are being pursued through the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) Special Task Force, which he leads. The task force focuses on enforcement, public fund management, business competitiveness, investment risk, legal reform and strategic communications. - September 18, 2025
