Erosion of integrity a major threat to Malaysia, says former Auditor-General

The erosion of integrity is identified as a primary threat to Malaysia, creating fertile ground for a multitude of national problems. Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, former Auditor-General, stated that national security is no longer solely defined by military strength or external threats but is increasingly vulnerable to issues of governance failure, corruption, and abuse of power.

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Therefore, I believe that integrity is not just an ethical principle, but a strategic national asset.

Ambrin, who served as Auditor-General from 2006 to 2017, emphasized that integrity is not merely an ethical principle but a strategic national asset. She highlighted that good governance necessitates public institutions to make honest decisions, be transparent in the use of public funds, demonstrate accountability for outcomes, enforce laws fairly, and deliver services efficiently.

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Good governance means that public institutions must make honest decisions, be transparent in the use of public funds, have accountability for outcomes, enforce laws fairly, and be efficient in service delivery.

"The government is now judged by its honesty and competence to prevent mismanagement and irregularities," Ambrin noted during a panel session on National Security and Integrity at the 8th World Congress of Islamic Thought and Civilizations (WCIT 2026). She explained that preventing such issues is challenging, citing examples where corruption in defense procurement weakens military readiness, and corruption at borders facilitates smuggling and illegal immigration. Weak financial governance, she added, can encourage money laundering and organized crime.

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The government is now judged by its honesty and competence to prevent mismanagement and irregularities.

Her remarks underscore the critical link between integrity in public institutions and the overall security and stability of the nation. The focus on good governance and accountability is presented as essential for safeguarding Malaysia against internal and external vulnerabilities.

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Prevention is not an easy task. For example, if corruption occurs in defense procurement, it will weaken military readiness. If corruption continues at the border, it will facilitate smuggling, human trafficking, and the entry of undocumented immigrants. If financial governance is weak, it will encourage money laundering and organized crime.