SINTOK, 14 June 2026: A sound understanding of the rule of law and compliance with regulations are important elements in strengthening integrity, professionalism and good governance among public servants at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
This was emphasised during the Legal, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Synergy Workshop: Empowering Administrative Practices Based on Legislation Series 1, which gathered university staff comprising key office bearers to enhance their understanding of the responsibilities and roles of public servants in carrying out their duties in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the laws of the country.
In his keynote address, High Court Judge of Perlis, The Honourable Datuk Mohamad Abazafree Mohd Abbas, explained that the concept of the rule of law is closely linked to the principles of the Rukun Negara, particularly the Supremacy of the Constitution and the Rule of Law, which serve as the foundation of the country’s stability and harmony.
According to him, every action and decision made by public servants must be guided by the law, regardless of position or rank.
He said, the body of law in force extends beyond acts passed by Parliament, and includes ordinances, state enactment and subsidiary legislation such as regulations, rule, orders and administrative directives.
“Public servants play an important role in carrying out public functions provided under the law.
“They are responsible for implementing government policies, managing administration, and delivering services to the people professionally and with integrity,” he said.
He also explained that the loyalty of public servants must be understood within the framework of Malaysia’s Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy system.
At the same time, public servants are entrusted with implementing policies decided by the legitimate government without being influenced by personal political beliefs or affiliations.
“Professionalism and neutrality are among the main principles that every public servant must uphold in carrying out their duties for the benefit of the country and the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed in his welcoming remarks, said that apart from understanding their respective scope of duties, university staff must also possess sound knowledge of the regulations and laws related to the implementation of their daily tasks.
According to him, such understanding is very important to ensure that every action taken complies with the established procedures and to avoid any breach of regulations that could affect the image and reputation of the institution.
“Lately, various issues involving higher education institutions have gained media attention. Although it is not appropriate to generalise all universities based on isolated cases, these developments should serve as a reminder that integrity, governance and regulatory compliance must always be strengthened,” he said.
Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said that continuous efforts through various competency development programmes organised by the university are aimed at increasing awareness and understanding among staff on matters related to law, integrity and governance.
He also stressed that ignorance of the law cannot be used as a defence when carrying out official duties.
Therefore, he urged university staff to continuously update their knowledge in line with current changes in policies and legislation, including amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU), which have significant implications for the governance and management of higher education institutions.
“Programmes such as this not only provide participants with valuable knowledge, but also create opportunities for them to exchange views with experts from various agencies such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the legal advisory office,” he said.
He expressed hope that the course would be fully utilised by participants as a platform to strengthen their professional identity, enhance their professionalism and ensure that every decision and action taken remains consistent with the regulations and laws in force.
The workshop reflects the university’s commitment to cultivating good governance, strengthening organisational integrity and developing knowledgeable, ethical, and accountable staff who uphold the rule of law in fulfilling their responsibilities to the institution, society and the nation.
The first day of the workshop featured a lecture by the Chairman of the Public Universities Bursars Council (MBUA), Mr. Mohamad Najib Mohamed, entitled ‘University Financial Sustainability Ecosystem. This was followed by a forum titled ‘Are Public Universities Hotbeds of Corruptions?’, featuring three panellists, namely Kedah MACC Prevention Division, Assistant Commissioner Syed Aswadi Syed Soffian; Deputy Head of the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department, Kedah Contingent, Deputy Superintendent of Police Nazaruddin Ibrahim; and the UUM Vice-Chancellor. The forum was moderated by UUM Legal Adviser, Assoc. Prof. Dr Khadijah Mohamed.
On the following day, the workshop continued with the second lecture by Deputy Director-General of Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MOC), Dr Mazrina Mohamed Ibramsah, entitled Administration and Organisational Management: Issues and Challenges. This was followed by the third lecture by Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Higher Education, Ms. Fatin Khazin, titled Legal Implications in University Contract Management (Case Study) – Issues in University Contract Management: Procurement Contract, Service Contracts and Construction Contracts.”
The Legal Adviser of UUM also conducted a case study and presentation on the final day of the Legal, Integrity And Anti-Corruption Synergy Workshop before the programme concluded.
