SEPANG, Sept 18 — Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming increasingly vital in the public sector to enhance efficiency and productivity, especially in government service delivery, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
He said that in the context of corruption prevention, AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data, or Big Data, enables it to detect suspicious financial transaction patterns and issue early warnings of potential irregularities that may lead to corruption risks.
“Malaysia’s aspiration to become an AI-driven nation by 2030, as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), requires all public sector personnel to be prepared to face the challenges of governance in the AI era,” he said when opening the Fourth National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Research Conference here today.
Shamsul Azri said that in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and rapid advancements in smart technology, AI has transformed the way people communicate, work, and make decisions.
He added that the use of AI in corruption prevention is gaining ground globally, especially in public service, procurement, and enforcement.
“For example, South Korea has strengthened its e-procurement system through the Korea Online e-Procurement System, which integrates AI and blockchain to ensure document authenticity and prevent procurement manipulation,” he said.
He added that South Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has also developed the AI Risk Diagnosis Prediction Platform to assess risks, detect weak integrity systems, and identify potential security threats to the public — a proactive approach Malaysia can learn from.
Shamsul Azri said the government has set a target of achieving a top 25 ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033, noting that the index is a key indicator for foreign investors and international trading partners.
“The CPI is not only about corruption, but also about the extent to which good governance is upheld in a country.
“In line with this goal, we as civil servants play a critical role in ensuring every action taken is guided by the principles of integrity and good governance,” he said.
He stressed that a positive perception of the public sector not only reflects the quality of services provided but also strengthens public trust, supports sustainable national development, and underpins social stability.
Citing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis when tabling the 13MP, Shamsul Azri said good governance is key to achieving inclusive and sustainable development, supported by efficient, transparent, and fair administration in service delivery, fiscal reform and digital transformation.
To support this vision, Shamsul Azri said, the first Reformation Outcome Threshold highlighted in the Public Service Reform Agenda is the “Appreciation of Values and Governance”.
“This aspiration can only be realised if all of us in the civil service remain committed, professional, and work as a team in addressing various national issues, including corruption, abuse of power and embezzlement,” he said.
He added that Malaysia continues to advance public service reform by strengthening governance through improvements to existing initiatives and new legislation.
These include the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, amendments to the Audit Act 1957, the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025, amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, and the Government Procurement Bill.
The two-day conference, jointly organised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), carried the theme “Fighting Corruption: Underpinned by Good Governance and Cultivating Integrity”.
It served as a platform for sharing knowledge, strategies, and best practices in strengthening governance, fostering integrity, and combating corruption.
