By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 6: Investors today are looking beyond physical infrastructure and scrutinising governance, transparency and integrity before deciding on investment destinations, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said strong institutions, transparent processes, policy stability and integrity levels have become key considerations for investors, making good governance a strategic advantage for Sarawak as it pursues its economic transformation agenda.
“Today, investors no longer look at physical facilities alone. They also assess the strength of institutions, transparency of processes, policy stability and the level of integrity of an investment destination.
“Therefore, Sarawak will continue strengthening a culture of good governance as integrity has become a strategic advantage in the global economy,” he said when speaking at the Integrity and Excellence Day of the Sarawak Construction Industry 2026 (IECONS 2026) at the Construction Industry and Development Board (CIDB) Sarawak Complex here today.
Abang Johari said the effort is also aligned with the federal government’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, which emphasises strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability.
He added that integrity must be upheld by all parties involved in the construction ecosystem, including contractors, consultants, suppliers, technical officers and implementing agencies.
“Every party plays a role in ensuring competition in the construction industry is based on merit, capability, innovation and quality,” he said.
He stressed that the success of a project should not be measured merely by the completion of a structure, but also by the value, impact and benefits it delivers to the people.
“Integrity cannot depend solely on enforcement after something happens. Instead, integrity must be built through strong systems, transparent processes, principled leadership and a culture that prioritises trust and responsibility,” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak would continue strengthening governance through digitalised procurement processes, improved audit systems, better risk management and the adoption of technology to enhance transparency and efficiency.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s ombudsman system, saying officers trained together with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be placed across government agencies to ensure weaknesses identified in audit reports are properly addressed.
Meanwhile, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said IECONS 2026 highlighted the importance of integrity in ensuring construction projects are delivered with quality, safety and sustainability.
He said successful projects should not be measured by speed alone, but must be completed according to schedule, within the allocated cost, meet required standards and provide the best value to the people.
“A successful project must be completed according to schedule and within the cost set, fulfil the required specifications and standards, and provide the best value to the people,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Works remains committed to strengthening integrity practices in line with the NACS 2024–2028 through initiatives including the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS), cooperation with MACC, strengthening Integrity Units and implementation of the No Gift Policy.
“Efforts to prevent corruption must focus not only on enforcement, but also on strengthening systems that reduce opportunities for misconduct,” he said.
Also present were CIDB Malaysia chairman Dato Yusuf Abdul Wahab, CIDB Malaysia chief executive Ahmad Farrin Mokhtar, and MACC Sarawak director Hasbillah Mohamad Salleh. — DayakDaily
