PUTRAJAYA — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has officially launched a national-level anti-corruption advocacy programme, ‘Keep Malaysia Clean’, aimed at shaping public behaviour and preventing corruption before it starts.

Anwar said a country, no matter how great or prestigious, cannot sustain itself if leakages persist — noting that throughout history the rise and fall of civilisations have often been tied to malgovernance and corruption.

“That is why elevating Malaysia into a prestigious nation requires a strong political will and firm enforcement by its ruling government, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) serving as one of the key pillars in upholding and safeguarding that ideal.

“I strongly believe that MACC, under Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and the agency’s personnel, has the capability to become a profound, effective and courageous institution in bringing back Malaysia’s esteemed image,” he said during the programme’s official launch held in conjunction with the MACC’s 58th anniversary celebration here.

Earlier, Azam said the KMC programme — designed to engage all segments of society — aims to foster a civic-minded society that actively rejects corruption.

“A corruption-free society is key towards a cleaner Malaysia and this initiative is a national movement based on a collective commitment against corrupt practices at all levels of government and society,” he said in his speech.