KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has proposed for the Malaysian Institute Of Integrity (IIM) role to be expanded to empower its position as the primary reference centre on integrity at the national level.

He said the institute needed to be empowered as a centre of expertise by providing guidance and support to government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations to ensure that integrity practices are applied consistently and effectively.

"As a country striving to progress with good and transparent governance, we need institutions that not only act as catalysts but also as leaders in fostering integrity.

"Aligned with the Madani Government policy, which emphasises transparency, accountability and good governance, the role of IIM must be further strengthened.

"As an institution that has long upheld the principles of integrity, IIM must continue to play a key role in implementing government policies, particularly in the context of governance reform, anti-corruption efforts and enhancing accountability across all sectors," Fadillah said in his speech at the launch of Opening Ceremony of the National Integrity Month Celebration here today.

He gave his assurance that the government would put its attention into strengthening the IIM's role with necessary resources and efforts to maximise the institution's effectiveness as it has the potential to become a recognised reference centre nationally and globally.

IIM was established in 2004 to strengthen the capacity and competence of integrity and governance of the public and private sectors to assist the country in realising the objective of becoming a country known for integrity rather than corruption.

Meanwhile, IIM chief executive officer Rahman Mohd Din said a new strategic plan for the institute would be introduced soon.

He said it would encompass four main pillars, including making IIM a premier think tank, involving strengthening the integrity aspect and becoming a strategic body at the national and international level to foster cooperation with various agencies.

The other pillars involve becoming an institution that excels in education, advocacy and national integrity training as well as maintaining sustainable governance through continuous efforts to enhance IIM's governance through international standards.

"This plan aims to elevate IIM to a higher level with the vision of making Malaysia a country recognised as a high-integrity nation both nationally and internationally," Rahman said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1129977/dpm-expand-malaysian-institute-integritys-role