by Zulkifly Baharom, MM 1989
At the holding room whilst waiting for the commencement of Kerjayawan Leadership Conference (klc) 2025, I learned important lessons from our own leaders like academe Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, former Judge Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid, corporate leaders: Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal and Dato’ Seri Abdul Mutalib Razak who are competent, of high character, and caring. All of them shared their vision of the importance of character to individuals and organizations, and their hugely different experiences but on the same wavelength about leadership excellence, professional and academic excellence.
In his keynote presentation at klc2025, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar who had served as Chairman and Vice Chancellor of public and private universities, reiterated that “Integrity in leadership is crucial for building trust, fostering a positive work environment, and achieving long-term organizational success. It involves consistently acting ethically, morally, and authentically, which inspires confidence and loyalty among members. Leaders with integrity are more likely to make sound decisions, create culture of accountability, and ultimately, have a positive impact on both employees & society as well as the nation.”
Former High Court Judge Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid (left), Dr. Zul & Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar (right) engaging in a lively conversation on integrity whilst walking into the conference hall. Pix: Kerjaya1
On the stage recognizing contribution, Conference Chairman Dato’ Seri Mutalib (center) flanked L-R by: Dr. Zul, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Ghazali & Datin Dr. Shameem. Pix: Kerjaya 1
A former High Court Judge, Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid Syed Abdullah Idid, a living legend of integrity, who blew the whistle in 1996 through a confidential letter, written to the then Chief Justice and shared with five senior government officials, was intended to prompt action. At that time, Malaysia did not have a whistleblower protection law, leaving him exposed to political pressure. When instructed by the Chief Justice to resign, he has no choice but to comply.
Probably, Dato’ Syed who seeks justice 30 years after forced resignation for championing integrity can be resolved by the government implementing the SCRIPT stands for Sustainability, Care & Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity, and Trust – six Malaysia Madani values at the core of this living document that both lays out Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision for a stronger, better Malaysia. It provides fit to our independence nation. (Script: For a Better Malaysia – Empowering Vision & Policy Framework for Action – Coffee Table by Anwar Ibrahim (2022) Publisher: Institut Darul Ehsan)
This article was first seen on newswav.com https://newswav.com/A2508_131Drq?s=A_4rVgAqU&language=en.
