By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 2: Sarawak is looking to position itself as a global hub for integrity, governance, and anti-corruption through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA).
According to caretaker Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, this is an important step towards strengthening cooperation in integrity, anticorruption, and governance, particularly through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
“Over time, this partnership could further position Sarawak as a global hub for integrity, governance, and anti-corruption, while enhancing investor confidence and strengthening Sarawak’s reputation,” he said.
He said this at the launch ceremony of the Sarawak Regional Governance Programme 2026, where his speech was delivered by caretaker Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, held at a hotel here today.
Abang Johari said that the nature of governance risks is changing, with complex transactions, rapidly evolving technologies, and growing expectations of transparency requiring institutions to strengthen their preventive capabilities.
He elaborated that the programme’s coverage of big data, open data, and artificial intelligence (AI) is timely, as these tools can help identify unusual monitoring patterns, improve monitoring, support evidence-based decisions, and direct attention to areas of potential risk.
“But technology does not replace integrity or professional judgement. Data must be reliable; systems must be properly governed; and the use of artificial intelligence must be subject to appropriate safeguards, human oversight, and accountability.
“At the same time, institutions must continue improving their basic controls. Transparent procurement, responsible financial management, proper documentation, and effective reporting channels remain essential to preventing misconduct.
“Our objective should be to make prevention part of everyday institutional practice rather than relying only on investigations and corrective measures after wrongdoing has occurred,” he said.
Abang Johari added that corruption and governance challenges do not always respect organisational or national boundaries, and that learning from other jurisdictions and sharing expertise are key to understanding emerging risks and responding effectively.
He also stressed that integrity is a shared responsibility and that the government, businesses, employees, professional bodies, civil society, and citizens all have a role in promoting ethical conduct and accountability.
“Sarawak’s development must be matched by institutions that can manage resources wisely, exercise authority responsibly, and deliver on their commitments to the people.
“Let us build a culture in which integrity is practised, accountability is expected, and good governance supports meaningful progress,” he said. — DayakDaily
