Fadillah said transparency and accountability will be the pillars of the coalition government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has vowed zero tolerance for corruption. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 18): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said today the national unity government is now in a “reformation and renewal” phase, reiterating the new administration’s commitment to good governance and eradicating graft amid lingering suspicion towards his scandal-tainted Cabinet colleagues.
In a speech delivered at the inaugural Anti-corruption, Integrity and Governance Award (Aiga) here, Fadillah said transparency and accountability will be the pillars of the coalition government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has vowed zero tolerance for corruption.
Anwar was initially scheduled to inaugurate tonight’s 2022 Aiga Awards, but was forced to cancel at the last minute.
“Today we are in the reformation and renewal phase,” Fadillah, the first DPM to hail from Sarawak, said.
“God willing, the emphasis on integrity and good governance in organisational administration, will be the main pillar of the government,” he added.
“Because through it, transparency and sense of responsibility can guarantee prosperity and well-being of the country and its people.”
Anwar became the PM on the support of rivals that he once painted as corrupt. One of his deputies, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is currently on trial for over 40 corruption and money laundering charges.
Zahid’s appointment, seen as a concession for Umno’s support, raised concerns that Anwar could be forced to compromise on his reform drive. However, the Pakatan Harapan chairman responded to such criticism by pledging to punish any corrupt members of his government.
Today, Fadillah said the unity government is committed to instilling values that uphold integrity and good governance “within the societal framework”.
“Both the components complement each other. The lack of one of them will cause defects in the management ecosystem of an organisation, company and country,” he said.
The Aiga awards, given to government agencies or private companies that meet high anti-corruption compliance standards, are meant as incentive for accountable practice. – Malay Mail