NAFAS Launches GENTAR To Strengthen Governance In Fight Against Corruption

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) has made a significant move in combating white-collar crime with the launch of its 2024-2028 Corruption Eradication Strategy book, titled GENTAR.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said GENTAR represents NAFAS’ commitment, in partnership with the government, to eradicating all forms of corruption at every level.

“GENTAR emphasises that all procurement, projects and related activities must be conducted with transparency and integrity. What may appear as a gift can sometimes be a bribe,” he told reporters after the book launch at NAFAS Headquarters here today.

Also present were Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP) board chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar, its deputy director-general (Operations) Nik Mohd Shaharil Nik Md Hashim, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (National Governance Planning) deputy director Mohd Gunawan Che Ab Aziz and NAFAS general manager Muhammad Faris Ariffin.

Mohamad highlighted that enhancing integrity is crucial in the fight against corruption among employees.

“The battle against corruption goes beyond enforcing laws; integrity is even more critical. While some may find ways to circumvent legal regulations, integrity relies on personal self-discipline and is harder to avoid,” he said.

Meanwhile, NAFAS Board of Directors chairman Datuk Zamri Yaakob, in his speech, described GENTAR as a guide for employees, emphasising principles of transparency, accountability, efficiency, integrity and anti-corruption to ensure all activities are free from corruption, abuse of power and misconduct.

“The five key areas covered by GENTAR - administration, corporate governance, procurement, finance and operations, will serve as a framework for NAFAS employees, enhancing the quality of services provided to farmer organisations nationwide,” he said.

Zamri also expressed hope that farmers at all levels will collaborate to improve character and integrity within the organisation, with the goal of achieving a low-risk rating within the next three years. 

He noted that NAFAS was rated as medium risk for 2023, a significant improvement from the high-risk rating in 2020.

-- BERNAMA