The integrity of the public sector rests on the strength of character of each and every public official, without any exception. This will require leadership, incentives and structures that will enable individuals to be clear-eyed and independent-minded. This is a spirit best summed up in Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.” Integrity is best demonstrated through the transparency and thoroughness of disclosures. The publication of financial and non-financial information is the central means by which the public can truly hold its government and public institutions to account. Public sector accountants, tasked with the preparation and audit of such information, naturally take on an immense moral responsibility. It is critical that the public sector appreciates and respects the importance and impartiality of this role. Accountants and auditors must be provided with the platform and stature to pursue facts and voice any concerns in a meaningful and constructive manner. This includes follow-up on investigations or corrective actions, where necessary. As the demands and expectations of public service grow, the use of data and the mined information will take centre stage in the administration of the public sector. Accountants will be in the unique position to define, provide and interpret the facts and figures that can greatly influence and shape policy and strategy. Agility: New environment, new challenges and new set of competencies We live in a world that is constantly changing. One shaped by evolving factors influencing societal behaviors and norms.
Muhammad bin Ibrahim: Charting a path for the future Remarks by Mr Muhammad bin Ibrahim, Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia), at the National Public Sector Accountants Conference 2017 "Charting a Path for the Future", Penang, 15 August 2017. * * * Thank you for the invitation to speak today. My congratulations to Jabatan Akauntan Negara Malaysia and Persatuan Akauntan Sektor Awam Malaysia on the successful organisation of the 28th National Public Sector Accountants Conference. In two weeks’ time, we will be celebrating our 60th year of independence. Our nation has come a long away – economically, socially and politically. Faced with the challenge of the new and the unknown at the dawn of our independence, our nation has risen to the occasion time and again. We have persevered. We have adapted. We have transformed. We have grown from strength to strength despite the many challenges. This boldness of spirit is something that has driven us from the very first moments of our nationhood. Upon the proclamation of our independence in 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman had imparted these important words: “From henceforth, we are masters of our destiny, and the welfare of this beloved land is our own responsibility.” These last six decades have been a journey committed to this endeavor. Where rubber and tin once dominated, we now have an integrated, open and diversified economy. Where roads once laid bare, now stands world class infrastructure.