By Saiful Bahri Kamaruddin
Pix Ikhwan Hashim

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Nov 2015 – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) will work together with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (Integriti) to do research and jointly organise programmes to promote Good Governance in the country and abroad.

Both parties inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for that purpose here today, with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Datuk Dr Mazlin Mokhtar signing for the university while Integriti President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Anis Yusal represented his agency.

The signing was witnessed by UKM Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato’ Ir Dr Mohd. Marzuki bin Mustafa (Strategy and Corporate Development).

Prof Mazlin explained later that Integriti hoped to use UKM’s experience  in research to cover the development of expertise involving research and programmes which were academic in nature at the national, regional and international levels.

“Integriti will be used as a governance lab by UKM academicians to conduct their research works and academic analysis towards monitoring the level of quality of life and integrity in Malaysia.

“In addition, a special scholarship programme is created at the master and doctorate levels to conduct studies related to integrity which will be fully sponsored by the private sector,” Prof Mazlin explained.

Inregriti also signed an Mou with the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) in conjunction with the ‘Bicara Integriti’ programme themed Integrity in Facing Current Challenges.

The agreement was related to publications and translations of books and translated works in integrity and governance.

Earlier, Integriti honoured The late Deputy Public Prosecutor Anthony Kevin Morais and Allahyarham  Customs deputy director-general Datuk Shaharuddin Ibrahim with the 2015 Integrity Special Awards..

Their selection was announced at the  programme, as they were described as having made the ultimate sacrifice in conducting their duties and responsibilities in the name of integrity.

The special awards were presented by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan and received by their respective next-of-kin, namely Kevin’s youngest brother, Datuk Richard Morais and Shaharuddin’s wife, Datin Rahimah Ibrahim.

Integriti condemned the tragic murders of Kevin and Shaharuddin, who were described as individuals with integrity and trust in discharging their duties.