KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) have inked a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for strategic collaboration in the development of instruments and implementation of the Malaysian Integrity Index Study (InTeM).
The IIM said the collaboration aims to develop an integrity index which acts as a crucial instrument in measuring the level of compliance with integrity principles in various sectors in Malaysia.
“The development of InTeM is expected to provide a clearer and more comprehensive picture regarding the effectiveness of existing policies as well as identify improvements towards enhancing transparency and accountability.
“The development of InTem is also one of the initiatives under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (MTR 12MP) in Chapter 2, which is Enhancing EfficiencyPublic Service Delivery,” it said in a statement today.
IIM chief executive officer Rahman Mohd Din and UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib@Sahibuddin signed the MoA on behalf of the institutions yesterday.
According to the IIM, the Malaysian Integrity Index is expected to provide comprehensive benefits, in addition to functioning as a government mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies, helping the private sector enhance investor credibility and confidence as well as strengthening public awareness towards the importance of integrity in the country’s socio-economic development.
“The index being developed is also expected to be one of the main indicators in the formation of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score by Transparency International (TI) and, hopefully, be a catalyst in enhancing Malaysia’s CPI score,” it added.
In addition, UiTM’s academic and research expertise is also expected to play a pivotal role in analysing data and developing relevant indicators for the Malaysian Integrity Index, in addition to being a key reference in ongoing efforts to cultivate integrity and good governance in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Rahman said in the same statement that the MoA is a proactive step in ensuring that integrity continues to be the core of the country’s progress.
“With the existence of the Malaysian Integrity Index, it can function as a benchmark and guide for the public and private sectors as well as the public in assessing and improving their respective integrity practices,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
