Kuala Lumpur: The move to make it mandatory for every local authority (PBT) in Malaysia to establish an Integrity Unit (UI) by August 31 aims to enhance integrity within organisations serving the public interest, said Malaysian Institute of Integrity member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. This initiative comes in response to frequent integrity-related issues raised by the public regarding services from local councils.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the establishment of these units is considered essential for shaping more transparent and honest institutions in delivering public services. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasized that this mandatory step by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seeks to improve the quality of public service and reinforce public confidence in government agencies.

Lee highlighted that the creation of Integrity Units at local councils signifies the government’s commitment to preventing misconduct, abuse, and leakages in the discharge of duties within these organisations. The MACC announced on May 1 that all local councils must establish UIs by August 31 as part of a broader effort to strengthen administrative integrity.

In a statement, the MACC explained that to streamline the reporting structure, all liaison officers at local councils are now required to report directly to the Integrity Unit at the State Secretary’s Office, rather than to the local council president.