Perak: The current generation must view history as a lesson that without integrity, the nation's independence and sovereignty could be at risk, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah. His Royal Highness highlighted that the nation's history, particularly the fall of Melaka to the Portuguese in 1511, serves as a cautionary tale, not only due to external attacks but also because of internal betrayal arising from a loss of integrity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Nazrin emphasized the importance of history as a guide for those entrusted with responsibilities across various sectors, including public, private, politics, religious institutions, volunteer organisations, welfare, and sports. He quoted philosopher George Santayana, stating, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," and expressed concern that this failure to learn from history seems evident today. The remarks were made during the official launch of the 2025 National Integrity Month (SBIN) at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building.
The event was attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who also serves as Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM). Sultan Nazrin mentioned the consistent efforts by national leadership to promote integrity, notably through the launch of the National Integrity Plan in 2004 and the establishment of the IIM during the administration of the late Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Despite these efforts, Sultan Nazrin observed that after two decades, the country's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index remains disappointing, with continued prevalence of corruption and misconduct. He highlighted government reports indicating that RM15.5 billion in public funds have been recovered from corruption and money-laundering offenders over the past two years. Daily newspaper reports continue to unveil issues related to corruption, breach of trust, resource leakages, cronyism, and abuse of power.
His Royal Highness pointed out that cartels control essential industries such as chicken, fish, and rice, and there is a noticeable increase in undocumented foreign workers, illegal land encroachments, unlicensed factories, gambling dens, entertainment outlets, and massage parlours. Furthermore, environmental pollution persists, and the country has been disgraced on the global stage by its largest financial scandal, which has burdened the nation with debt, hindering economic development and devaluing its currency.
The Ruler urged institutions like the IIM to adopt strategic and thoughtful approaches to address the nation's integrity challenges effectively. He emphasized the need for strategic planning and wise measures to cultivate integrity, ensuring that efforts yield tangible results.
Sultan Nazrin noted the extensive mandate and responsibilities assigned to the IIM, despite its limited funding and manpower. He likened its resources to a short cloth that must be used prudently to cover the most critical areas. Despite funding growth from RM5 million in 2004 to RM18 million in 2024, the institute still faces expectations of achieving near-miraculous results in addressing integrity issues.