Tan Sri Ambrin Buang Shares Reflections on Public Governance, Leadership, and Institutional Integrity at PLF’s Official Book Launch

PUTRAJAYA, 13 AUGUST 2026 —

**Malaysia’s Public Sector Leaders Stress Strong Governance as Cornerstone of National Trust**

The evening began with a welcome address by Mr Mahmood Razak Bahman, Alternate Trustee of PLF and CEO of PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd. He underscored the Foundation’s mission to preserve the experiences of Malaysia’s senior leaders through its Oral History Series. “This book traces Tan Sri Ambrin’s career in the Malaysian Civil Service and offers deep insights into public governance, institutional integrity, and the challenges of auditing high-profile cases, including 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB),” he said.

The main session, titled *Public Governance: Lessons in Leadership, Integrity, and Public Accountability*, featured Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, former Auditor-General of Malaysia, and Dato’ Sri Dr Akhbar Satar, President of the Malaysia Integrity and Governance Society (MIG). The dialogue was moderated by Mr Pushpan Murugiah, Regional Specialist in Anti-Corruption, Governance and Public Accountability.

Tan Sri Ambrin Buang opened by stressing that strong governance systems are the bedrock of accountability, transparency, and integrity. “When public servants fail to uphold these principles, the consequences are severe—fraud, corruption, and financial leakages. These issues are not minor. They erode public trust, waste resources, and damage the nation’s development,” he said.

He described corruption as a “cancer” that spreads rapidly within institutions when left unchecked, warning that a culture of impunity only fuels unethical behaviour.

Both panellists highlighted the importance of leadership by example. Tan Sri Ambrin referenced the “Bersih, Cekap, Amanah” (Corruption-free, Competent, Trustworthy) values espoused by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as his guiding principles throughout his 40-year career in public service. Dato’ Sri Dr Akhbar added that integrity must be embedded at all levels of government, from junior officers to top leadership, to ensure sustainable reform.

Mr Pushpan Murugiah concluded the session by noting that good governance depends equally on strong institutions and ethical leadership. “Transparency and accountability are not just compliance requirements—they are the foundations of public trust. Institutions must remain resilient amid political, economic, and social changes,” he said.

The dialogue sparked a lively Q&A session, with participants raising questions on governance reforms, public sector accountability, and the role of future leaders in shaping Malaysia’s governance landscape. Issues such as the independence of audit institutions, whistleblower protections, and the implementation of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act were discussed.

The highlight of the event was the launch of *A Conversation with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang*, the latest addition to PLF’s Oral History Series. The 280-page book presents edited transcripts of conversations with Tan Sri Ambrin, chronicling his journey from a young civil servant to Auditor-General. It covers key themes including public financial management, anti-corruption efforts, and reflections on major national issues such as 1MDB.

“This publication is more than a record of professional achievement—it is a living archive of institutional memory,” said a PLF spokesperson. “Tan Sri Ambrin’s experiences offer a considered view of how trust, ethics, and institutional strength shape Malaysia’s present governance and future direction.”

The book is now available for purchase at PLF’s Putrajaya library and online via www.perdana.org.my. PLF’s library, which houses over 500,000 digitised materials—half accessible for free—offers annual membership at RM10 for Malaysians over 13 years old.

The event reflects growing national interest in governance reform, particularly in the wake of high-profile financial scandals. Analysts note that Malaysia’s public sector continues to face scrutiny over transparency and accountability, with calls for stronger institutional safeguards and leadership accountability.

Tan Sri Ambrin’s reflections come at a time when Malaysia ranks 62nd out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, unchanged from the previous year. The government has pledged to enhance integrity initiatives, including the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2023–2027, which emphasizes prevention, enforcement, and public participation.

Looking ahead, PLF plans to expand its Oral History Series with interviews from other former senior officials, aiming to foster a culture of reflective leadership and institutional learning. “Our goal is to ensure that the lessons of the past inform the decisions of the future,” said PLF’s Honorary President, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

For further information, contact: Puan Nurul Humaira Kamarulzaman humaira@perdana.org.my / nhkperdana@gmail.com 03-8885 8960 Encik Muizzuddin Munir muizmunir2@gmail.com 03-8885 8979

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