Pak Wan Urges Stronger Integrity Culture and Good Governance at Bank Rakyat Conference

KUALA LUMPUR,— In a compelling keynote at the Bank Rakyat Integrity Conference, Pak Wan, a senior government leader and founding figure of reformist policies, underscored the urgent need for cultivating a culture of integrity, transparency, and good governance in Malaysia’s public and corporate sectors.

Addressing senior executives, policymakers, and stakeholders, Pak Wan congratulated Bank Rakyat for its leadership in organizing the forum, lauding the bank for being the first in Malaysia to establish a dedicated Corporate Integrity Department—an initiative now strengthened with a special officer from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“This forum is not just timely. It is critical to our national transformation,” Pak Wan said. “Integrity is not a slogan—it is a foundation that supports trust, sustainable growth, and national dignity.”

Toward a Sustainable Bank of Choice
Pak Wan proposed that Bank Rakyat officially adopt the name “Sustainable Bank of Choice”, aligning its operations with national sustainability goals and giving the right optics to stakeholders. He emphasized that adopting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must go beyond branding and become embedded into the bank’s culture and strategy.

He cited recent collaborations such as the Financial Integrity Programme with the Islamic Council of Sarawak, aimed at strengthening governance practices even in local mosques—underscoring that integrity starts at the grassroots.

National Commitment to Clean Governance
Pak Wan linked the Bank Rakyat initiative to broader national agendas, including the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) and Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030). Under the NACP, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development (MED), which oversees Bank Rakyat, plays a lead role in implementing integrity modules across all entrepreneurship training programs.

“We are addressing corruption systematically—at the institutional, policy, and training levels,” he said, highlighting compulsory modules on conflict of interest and business ethics for Bank Rakyat staff as a model for national adoption.

Bridging Inequality Through Reform
He emphasized that SPV 2030 is not just about economic growth but about narrowing the gap between urban and rural communities, promoting equitable development, and fostering national unity through a fair and dignified economy.

Pak Wan reiterated that Malaysia’s future depends on effective, transparent decision-making, not populist shortcuts. “People want change, but they also want integrity in how decisions are made. Reform takes time, but we are doing it right,” he affirmed.

Restoring Public Trust and Investor Confidence
Noting that recent corruption scandals have eroded public confidence and deterred foreign investment, Pak Wan stressed the urgency of restoring trust in governance and strengthening corporate accountability. He warned that if not reversed, this erosion creates fertile ground for populism, protectionism, and nationalism.

“We are living in a borderless world. What happens in other countries affects us—from climate to supply chains. Integrity is not just a national issue—it’s global,” he added.

The Integrity Imperative
Concluding his address, Pak Wan quoted American thinker R. Buckminster Fuller, emphasizing that “on personal integrity hangs humanity’s faith.” He added his own reflection: “And environmental faith too,” connecting the fight against corruption to sustainability and global cooperation.

“Integrity delivers better lives. It makes our institutions more trusted, our economies more inclusive, and our society more united,” he said.

The conference marks a pivotal moment for Bank Rakyat and the broader ecosystem of public-private cooperation in Malaysia’s reform era, signaling a renewed commitment to values-driven governance

-Admin