No compromise on integrity when it comes to national defence, says Khaled


KUALA LUMPUR: Integrity is essential to the Defence Ministry’s mission, says Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, who introduced three initiatives to strengthen responsibility and transparency.

The Defence Minister said fostering integrity is crucial to creating a transparent, trustworthy governance system aligned with Malaysia Madani principles.

“Integrity is paramount,” he said in his Integrity Day 2024 speech here on Tuesday (Nov 12), pointing to the importance of a strong ethical foundation, as emphasised in the Quran.

The first initiative, Khaled said, involves establishing clear, streamlined procedures to reduce bureaucracy and minimise corruption risks.

“Integrity issues often arise when there are complex procedures that frustrate both ministry personnel and the public,” he added.

In response, the ministry has set up a service delivery improvement monitoring committee (JP4) to ensure that processes meet the public’s needs effectively.

Khaled also stressed the role of technology in enhancing integrity, advocating the use of big data analytics, AI and other digital tools to monitor trends, improve performance, and detect leaks in the system.

“While implementing this technology will take time and cost, it is a necessary step to strengthen transparency and productivity,” he said.

The third initiative focuses on embedding integrity as a core value among ministry staff.

“Ultimately, integrity is about human behaviour,” Khaled said, stressing the need to cultivate a sense of responsibility and ethical values.

He warned that greed and neglect of duty could undermine the ministry’s mission, particularly in defence, where integrity cannot be compromised.

To support this vision, Khaled shared that awareness programmes and integrity-focused activities would continue across the ministry.

He said there are plans to expand these initiatives within both the ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces next year, aiming for a comprehensive approach to strengthen the culture of integrity.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Country's top real estate professionals honoured at StarProperty Awards
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi volcano eruption: 124 Malaysians report presence in Labuan Bajo
Lorry ploughs into goldsmiths shop in Camerons
More than 20% tax on those earning above RM100,000, says Amir Hamzah
Penang police detain driver for causing fatal accident with toppled container
Malaysians can now use Taiwan’s e-Gate for immigration clearance
Mitra approves almost RM100mil for Indian community empowerment, says Ramanan
Government holding RM12bil in unclaimed monies
One dead in fatal fight among foreign workers, four arrested
Mohd Azmawi Fikri to be sworn in as Nenggiri assemblyman Nov 21

Others Also Read