[COLUMNIST] Strengthening governance and integrity: Tracing reform efforts in the Federal Territory

IN building a successful and competitive nation, the aspects of governance and integrity cannot be overlooked. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, often emphasizes that the nation's success depends not only on economic progress but also on how governance is managed with integrity. The narrative of Malaysia MADANI clearly asserts that integrity is the foundation for a country's success.

However, corruption issues involving local authorities (PBT) often taint efforts toward this reform. Recently, the public was shocked by the arrest of several Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) staff for their involvement in corrupt practices. This incident, which was an open secret, has caused anxiety among the people who expect a clean administration with high integrity.

In the Federal Territory, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territory), has played a significant role in ensuring that there is no room for potential corruption. With a 'zero tolerance' approach to corruption, she is committed to taking firm action to ensure that every administrative matter is carried out transparently and fairly. Dr. Zaliha often emphasizes that firmness in fighting corruption is key to establishing an administration characterized by integrity and cleanliness.

The appointment of Kuala Lumpur Mayor, Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, is also seen as a very positive step in governance reform. Maimunah, who has a strong background in urban planning and sustainable development, is an individual with extensive international experience. Previously, she held the position of Executive Director of UN-Habitat, a United Nations (UN) agency responsible for housing and urban development issues. Maimunah was also the mayor of Penang, Malaysia, and before that, she served as the mayor of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council from 2011, becoming the first woman appointed to head a local government.

Her appointment as the mayor of Kuala Lumpur brings great hope that the city will be managed more efficiently and with high integrity.

The presence of three formidable women in the administration of Kuala Lumpur—Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Dato' Indera Noridah Abdul Rahim (Director General of the Federal Territories Department), and Datuk Seri Maimunah—clearly demonstrates the government's efforts in promoting transparent and responsible administration. These three female icons are not only exceptional in their respective fields but also bring a high standard of integrity to their administration. Notably, women leaders are known for their strict adherence to guidelines and their unwavering commitment to their work.

As an NGO advocating for integrity and governance issues, the Malaysian Integrity and Governance Society(MIG) believes that the realization of a CIVIL state envisioned by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will only be achieved when every layer of society, especially in the public and administrative sectors, upholds the principle of integrity in every action. Integrity is not just an ethical concern but is the foundation for building a fair, equitable, and prosperous nation.

The ongoing reforms must continue with strong support from all parties, including the public, who need to play a role in monitoring and ensuring that every administrative matter is conducted transparently. Integrity is the key to ensuring that all planned policies and programs can be implemented effectively, thereby creating a prosperous and competitive nation on the global stage.

The people of Kuala Lumpur deserve a city managed with integrity, and we are confident that with the current leadership, DBKL will set the best example in terms of governance and cleanliness—not only in Malaysia but also internationally. Together, we can build a corruption-free Kuala Lumpur that will be the pride of all Malaysians, contributing to the success of the CIVIL nation we all aspire to.

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Datuk Sri Dr. Akhbar Satar, President, Malaysian Integrity And Governance Society(MIG)

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.

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