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However, I must remind the construction fraternity that there is much INTEGRITY IN THE PUBLIC EYE
expectation from the Government and rakyat towards the construction
fraternity. There is a crying need for affordable, good quality housing,
as we move towards becoming a high-income developed nation. The
construction fraternity also needs to enhance its image, and ensure that
public infrastructure projects are constructed true to specifications and
of high quality. There must be better monitoring within the construction t gives me great pleasure to be with all of you this evening at the Diners’
fraternity of the competency of key players. Club Talk organised by the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College. I
Iwelcome the topic I was invited to speak on, “The Meaning of Integrity
We must also ensure that we are providing equitable employment in the Civil Service and Managing Public Perception”. I also commend
conditions across the workforce. The Government introduced minimum the organiser for choosing this topic as it reflects the Government’s
wage last year, but there are still some employees who are paid below unwavering commitment towards achieving a more transparent, credible
minimum wage even when employers register huge profits. If we wish to and reliable public sector.
be a developed and inclusive society, this must be rectified.
Former United States President, Dwight Eisenhower once said, “The
Apart from finding opportunities within the country, I urge the Malaysian supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it,
construction fraternity to also expand and seek opportunities abroad, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang,
particularly within the ASEAN region. With a combined population a football field, in an army, or in an office”. And Warren Buffet, the
of more than 600 million, the ten ASEAN member states give rise to a renowned investment figure, once said, “In looking for people to hire,
multitude of investment potential. Let us take full advantage of the ASEAN you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if the
Economic Community which will see full integration by the end of 2015. person you hired don’t have the first, the other two will kill you”.

Before I end, I hope MBAM will continue to play its role as the main In public service, integrity is the cornerstone of excellent service
player in promoting professionalism among its members to create more delivery, mainly because it prevents wastage and mismanagement. More
opportunities and generate sustainable returns for themselves, and the importantly, however, integrity is an essential ingredient in building and
nation. Your efforts are appreciated, and recognised. maintaining public trust in the system. Where trust is high, we have a
citizenry that relates to and connects with the Government.
Also, gathered in this room are those who have played an integral part in
the various initiatives and projects that have contributed to our nation’s Preventive provisions help to a very great extent, such as anti-corruption
development and continued growth. Thank you all for the work that you commissions, codes of conduct and sound public assets management,
have done in helping to build the nation. but the mere existence of these is insufficient. It is imperative for integrity
to pervade the minds, attitudes and behaviour of every public servant. The
Once again, thank you for having me here this evening and congratulations term integrity itself relates to the qualities that are inside a person – like an
on MBAM’s 59th Anniversary. Here’s hoping for another excellent year for internal moral compass that shapes one’s character. Likewise, in the public
Malaysia and the construction industry. service, one deals with people. Not with inanimate objects or processes
and procedures. But people. To be viewed not as an inanimate entity,
therefore, the integrity of public servants must emerge and represent the
character of our public service.

This requires constant efforts to update standards, disseminate good
practices, provide guidance and training, and ensure monitoring and
enforcement. A high level of integrity pervading through the public

Speech at the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) 59th Anniversary Dinner Celebration.
14 June 2013, Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre Selangor.

42 Humanising The Public Service : A Compilation of Speeches by the Chief Secretary to the Government 43