Kuala lumpur: The fight against corruption is not only a moral imperative, but also a driver of strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic development, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Malaysia International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025, the Prime Minister emphasised that corruption in all its insidious forms poses a serious threat to economic progress and national harmony.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that corruption inflates the cost of doing business, distorts fair competition, stifles innovation, and deters both domestic and foreign investment. He highlighted that corruption diverts public funds from essential sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, creating an uneven playing field and hindering the equitable distribution of economic benefits. Furthermore, corruption often leads to short-sighted decisions that exploit national resources without regard for future generations.
Prominent figures such as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki were also present at the conference. Anwar stressed that fighting corruption is a shared responsibility that requires courage, integrity, and active participation from all societal segments.
He acknowledged the challenges in combating corruption, noting that the task is formidable and not always popular, especially when probing into the affairs of wealthy and influential figures. Despite these challenges, Anwar reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling corruption, guided by principles of sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust. He expressed confidence in the efficacy of the national anti-corruption commission and its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
Anwar also articulated his vision for Malaysia to emerge as one of the most dynamic emerging economies, free from corruption, and committed to integrity. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, the focus on combating corruption becomes even more crucial to boosting regional economic development under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.'
He cited Malaysia's progress on the Corruption Perceptions Index as a significant benchmark, aiming to position the country among the world's top 25 least corrupt nations by 2033. The Prime Minister concluded that a steadfast commitment to fighting corruption would enhance competitiveness, foster a dynamic business environment, and ensure inclusive economic growth that benefits all societal segments, particularly youth, minorities, and marginalised communities.