UMPSA strengthens integrity culture through Corruption-Free Pledge Ceremony with MACC

PEKAN, 26 November 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to strengthen its commitment to upholding integrity through the organisation of the Corruption-Free Pledge Ceremony with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Pahang State, in conjunction with the UMPSA Integrity Day Celebration 2025 held at the Banquet Hall, Chancellery Tun Abdul Razak.

The ceremony was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, together with the Director of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Pahang State, KPKPj Mohd Shukor Mahmud.

Professor Dr Yatimah emphasised that the Integrity Day celebration is not merely an annual agenda in the university calendar, but a manifestation of UMPSA’s determination to combat corruption and nurture the value of integrity among every member of the campus community.

“The credibility of a university is not only measured by rankings or the number of graduates, but by the trust placed by society in the responsibilities carried by higher education institutions.

“This trust can only be built through an ethical work culture and consistency in carrying out duties.

“Integrity is the primary shield that protects individuals and organisations from corrupt practices,” she said.

She added that integrity is the ‘immune system’ that prevents institutions from being infected by unethical behaviour, with its foundation beginning from the courage to reject misconduct even when no one is watching.

“Therefore, university leadership plays an important role in shaping a healthy, principled, and corruption-free work culture, in line with the theme of National Integrity Month 2025, which is ‘Integrity Core of National Wellbeing’.

“UMPSA’s commitment to the integrity agenda has been translated through various initiatives, including the strengthening of governance systems based on the principles of accountability, transparency, and responsibility.

“The Integrity and Compliance Unit of UMPSA is also active in conducting awareness programmes to enhance understanding of integrity among the university community,” she said.

She also shared that two integrity officers are currently attending the Certified Integrity Officer Programme at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) as part of efforts to enhance expertise in integrity management at the public university level.

Professor Dr Yatimah also expressed appreciation to the Integrity and Compliance Unit of UMPSA and MACC Pahang State for their continuous efforts in strengthening the integrity culture in the university.

“I call on all members of UMPSA to remain committed to championing a clean, transparent, and responsible work culture.

“The effort to build an integrity culture is a long journey that requires patience, resilience, and continuous effort from all parties.

“UMPSA is not only a centre of academic excellence, but also a leading centre of integrity that nurtures a generation of ethical, principled, and corruption-free individuals for the wellbeing of society and the nation,” she said.

She added that UMPSA is a campus that practises zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, and no individual will be protected if they commit misconduct, regardless of position or status.

“At the same time, the university is committed to safeguarding the rights of complainants and ensuring that individuals investigated are given the right to defend themselves fairly according to proper procedures,” she said.

The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the UMPSA Guidelines for Handling Sexual Harassment Cases, officiated by the Vice-Chancellor together with the MACC Pahang State Director.

These guidelines are a significant effort by UMPSA to ensure that the campus remains a safe, ethical environment that respects the dignity of every individual.

They were developed based on several legal references, including the Public Service Human Resource Circular (2022), Statutory Bodies (Discipline & Surcharge) Act 2000, Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, and the UMPSA Student Disciplinary Rules 2024.

The guidelines cover the definitions and categories of sexual harassment, including physical, verbal, gesture, visual, and psychological acts, as well as complete procedures on the steps that complainants can take, the roles of Heads of Departments, and the case management process.

In addition, the ceremony also saw the recitation of the Corruption-Free Pledge by UMPSA leadership and staff, followed by a signing session as a symbol of collective commitment to reject all forms of corruption.

Present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha, the Bursar/Chief Financial Officer, Dato Zainudin Othman, the Chief Librarian, Kamariah Gono, and the Registrar/Chief Operating Officer, Dato Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim.

By: Nur Hartini Mohd Hatta, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press