SINTOK, 24 February 2025 – Officers in the Management and Professional scheme should exercise wisdom in their management practices and upholding their integrity. They must be disciplined, ethical, motivated, knowledgeable, and highly skilled—these are the key attributes of an outstanding officer.
Speaking at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Administrators’ Integrity Pledge Ceremony 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, emphasised that officers in the administrative scheme face various challenges, making their role crucial as the backbone of the university’s excellence.
“We have successfully navigated 41 years, marked by numerous achievements. I believe this is all due to the commitment and dedication of our members. Efficiency, skills, and intellectual excellence are the key drivers of success.
“During my recent meeting with the Director-General of Public Service (KPPA), Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, we engaged in discussion regarding integrity matters, including the Exit Policy.
“Integrity is often associated with corruption. However, in ethical terms, integrity encompasses honesty, accuracy, consistency in carrying out responsibilities, wisdom in making decision, and efficient time management.
“Are we forthcoming regarding our working hours? Reflect on how truthful we adhere to our designated work hours and whether we consistently maintain our integrity continuously throughout our service, rather than being ethical at one moment and lacking integrity at another,” he said during his speech at Seminar Hall A, Convention Centre.
He acknowledged that officers encounter immense challenges, especially in a time of rapid changes, likening the administrative institution to a ship floating on the waves of the ocean.
“Without strong integrity values guiding it, this university risks becoming a ship adrift. With knowledge and skills, all of us can perform our duties. However, without personal values or integrity, knowledge and skills become meaningless,” he cautioned.
He urged the officers responsible for the administration of UUM to continuously equip themselves with strong personal values, knowledge, job efficiency, discipline, and good character. UUM has long upheld its commitment to integrity through its Shared Values.
He emphasised the importance of conducting regular, focused training to develop officers with integrity, ensuring that training modules are designed to objectively cover every aspect of their duties.
Additionally, he extended his congratulations to the Human Resource Department and the Chancellery Department, particularly the Integrity Unit, for their strategic efforts in organising the event.
The ceremony also witnessed the Integrity Pledge, led by Integrity Unit Officer, Mr. Mohammad Faizal Haji Azid @ Aziz. This was followed by a keynote address from the Registrar, Mr. Ahmad Rasidi Abdullah, and concluded with the UUM Administrators’ Integrity Forum, featuring Bursar, Mr. Abdul Roni Baharom; Director of the Academic Affairs Department, Mdm. Azian Nafiah; and Director of the Research Management Centre (RMC), Associate Professor Dr Noridayu Mahat.
