Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on auditors, accountants, and regulators across ASEAN to reaffirm their commitment to good governance rooted in values and human dignity. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, emphasized that technical excellence must be accompanied by moral clarity and independent oversight to build accountable institutions and societies. He stated that the core of good governance is accountability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar remarked, "We talk about inclusivity, sustainability. But if you look at the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the premise is, of course, responsible and good governance. That represents the conscience of the majority of our people. Who wants to live in a country of excesses, endemic corruption, and waste? That is why I strongly support ASEAN Audit Institutions to implement this vision," he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Auditor Conference 2025, held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Also in attendance were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi. Anwar further emphasized the importance of empowering audit institutions to operate independently and to follow the trail of accountability wherever it leads. He noted that upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks are vital.

The Prime Minister highlighted that he has never interfered with or altered any information in the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) before it was submitted to the Cabinet or presented to Parliament for open and transparent debate. He stressed that this approach reflects good governance and transparency, which ultimately strengthens governments and integrity and is reflected in sustained improvements in the corruption perception index.

Beyond positioning ASEAN as a strong economic bloc, Anwar urged that it must also stand as a symbol of peace and a region that upholds the highest standards of good governance and accountability. In line with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and the appointment of Malaysia's Auditor-General as Chair of the ASEAN Audit Committee, the National Audit Department (NADM) is hosting the inaugural ASEAN Auditor Conference 2025 under the theme 'Inclusive and Sustainable Auditing for a Progressive ASEAN.'

The conference convened more than 2,000 participants from public and private sectors, including regional and international delegates and several Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions from ASEAN and beyond, such as Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, the Maldives, and Yemen.