KUCHING – A regional initiative aimed at strengthening integrity in public procurement processes was launched here on Wednesday, emphasizing governance and accountability as fundamental to sustainable development.
The event brought together officials from Sarawak, Indonesia, and the Philippines to address transnational corruption risks.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Dato’ Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya, highlighted the essential role procurement officers play in safeguarding public funds.
He stated that adherence to legal standards, transparency, and accountability are necessary to prevent corruption and promote regional economic growth.
“All parties, be they politicians, civil servants, government-linked companies (GLCs), or any entities involved in procurement, must uphold best practices including compliance with the law, transparency, accountability, and principles that form the foundation of developed nations for us to emulate in this region,” he said.
Dr. Juanda also pointed to geographical proximity as a factor in cross-border corruption, noting that Kuching’s closeness to cities like Pontianak and Jakarta requires closer regional cooperation.
The workshop aimed to foster collaborative strategies to detect and prevent corruption before it transcends national boundaries.
The event was attended by Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit Director Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman and Annika Wythes, Team Lead of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Anti-Corruption Hub for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.