The National Integrity Plan (NIP) is implemented in phases with the period 2004-2008 as the first phase. During this period, various programmes and activities proposed in the Strategies and Action Plan of the NIP will be implemented. With the implementation and monitoring of these programmes and activities, as well as the evaluation of their effectiveness, the Government expects several qnportant targets of the NIP to be achieved.
Keys Success Factors
The attainment of the various objectives outlined in the NIP's Strategies and Action Plan depends on the dynamism and sustainability of the movement to enhance integrity as well as whether it gets the support of the grass roots so that it becomes a people's movement. The key success factors, inter alia, are as follows: Leadership by example; Sound policies; Clear targets; Continuous education; Effective communication; Conducive cultural environment; Cooperation between politics and the administration machinery; Effective legal framework and independent judiciary; Adequacy and efficacy of resources; and Readiness of individuals to change (see Diagram 4).
Leadership by Example
Leadership is the key factor in the successful implementation of the NIP. Such leadership must have firm political will, vision, and clear targets; it must hold fast to the principles of honesty, efficiency and trustworthiness, be exemplary, prudent, as well as people-friendly. The leadership endowed with such qualities will be able to inspire the people, and mobilise them towards realising the NIP's objectives.
Sound Policies and Clear Targets
Leaders must formulate sound policies and put forward clear, reasonable and implementable targets. Policy formulation and target setting have to take into account the views and suggestions from all levels of society. The consultative approach used in formulating the NIP has to be continued.
Continuous Education
The achievement of the NIP's objectives also depends upon the continuous inculcation of noble values and norms among various levels and sectors of the society. In this manner, these noble values will become internalised and practiced until they become second nature, eventually becoming part and parcel of the individual's way of life and the society's culture.
Effective Communication
One important factor that may case the failure of any social change, including the NIP, is the failure in communication. Hence, it is absolutely essential to have effective, clear and focused communication that is easily understood by the people.
Conducive Culture Environment
A conducive environment means the existence of a culture in which people almost everywhere are enthusiastic about, arid uphold, ethics and integrity. Such enthusiasm and practice will flourish all the more when the leadership keeps to their promises. They also will flourish when measures to root out corruption, malpractices and abuse of power are effective and undertaken without fear or favour. Such enthusiasm for ethics and integrity becomes more enhance when cases that have attracted public attention are resolved expeditiously.
Cooperation between Politics and Administrative Machinery
Close mutual support and cooperation between the administrative and the political machinery is an essential ingredient for the success of the NIP. Close coordination between these two significant sectors and similar signals coming from them are important in confidence - building among Malaysians and the international community that things are changing for the better in the country.
Effective Legal Framework and Independent Judiciary
It is important to have in place an effective legal framework that is not only effective, but also responsive to contemporary challenges. In addition, an independent judiciary that ensures justice is dispensed speedily and fairly, without fear or favour, is also highly critical in instilling confidence among the people. These two elements will contribute towards realising the NIP's objectives.
Adequacy and Efficacy of Resources
The various key success factors outlined above are still insufficient. It is also essential to have adequate, trained and efficient manpower as well. Adequate financial resources and modern technology are also necessary.
Readiness of Individuals to Change
The role of the individual is critic~ for human development. The individual's understanding, awareness and knowledge of noble values, that have been inculcated through education and effective communication will contribute towards efforts to enhance integrity. Their awareness of the need to overcome their weaknesses will strengthen their resolve to change themselves as well as their commitment towards strengthening and promoting ethics and integrity.
Conclusion
The movement to enhance integrity has increasingly captured the imagination of various levels of the Malaysian society. This movement is turning into a social force for the effective management of the country's success and overcoming of its weaknesses. The launching of the National Integrity Plan (NIP) and the establishment of the Integrity Institute of Malaysia (11M) have become the most important catalyst towards realising the objectives of enhancing integrity. All these will enable Malaysia to steadily move forward in her efforts to become a developed nation in its own mould, and emerge as a nation of excellence, glory and distinction.
