Perdana Leadership Foundation hosted the Dialogue on Public Governance and the official launch of its latest publication, “A Conversation with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang: Reflections on Public Service, Leadership, and Governance”, bringing together participants from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society organisations, and students for an engaging discussion on leadership, integrity, and public accountability.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr Mahmood Razak Bahman, Alternate Trustee of Perdana Leadership Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to preserving the experiences of Malaysia’s distinguished leaders through its Oral History Series. He noted that A Conversation with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang traces Tan Sri Ambrin’s career in the Malaysian Civil Service and offers insights into public governance, institutional integrity, accountability, and the challenges of auditing high-profile cases, including 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
This was followed by the dialogue entitled “Public Governance: Lessons in Leadership, Integrity, and Public Accountability”, featuring Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, former Auditor-General of Malaysia, and Dato’ Sri Dr Akhbar Satar, President of the Malaysia Integrity and Governance Society (MIG). The session was moderated by Mr Pushpan Murugiah, Regional Specialist – Anti-Corruption, Governance and Public Accountability. Drawing on their extensive experience in public governance and institutional reform, the panellists discussed the challenges in enforcing accountability and transparency in public institutions, and the need to do so to instil public trust in government.
During the dialogue, Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, emphasised that strong systems are essential in ensuring good governance.
“A strong governance system ensures accountability, transparency, and integrity. However, when public servants fail to follow or adhere to these principles, problems inevitably arise. Those problems include fraud, corruption, and financial leakages. These are not minor issues—they cause significant damage to the country, waste public resources, and undermine people’s trust in government.”
Tan Sri Ambrin also described corruption as a deeply entrenched challenge that can undermine national development if left unchecked. He agreed that corruption could become a “cancer” that can easily spread within institutions. He further highlighted that a lack of accountability and the belief that wrongdoing will go unpunished can contribute to unethical behaviour and corrupt practices.
Both Tan Sri Ambrin and Dato’ Sri Akhbar emphasised the importance of leaders in setting a good example. Tan Sri Ambrin also referred to “Bersih, Cekap, and Amanah” (Corruption-free, Competent, and Trustworthy) – the values espoused by fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad – as his guiding principles in public service.
Summing up the discussion, moderator Mr Pushpan Murugiah noted that good governance ultimately depends on both strong institutions and ethical leadership. He emphasised that transparency and accountability should not be viewed merely as compliance requirements, but as essential foundations for building public trust and ensuring that institutions remain resilient in the face of changing political, economic, and social challenges.
The dialogue concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, during which participants exchanged views on governance reforms, public sector accountability, anti-corruption initiatives, and the role of future leaders in shaping Malaysia’s governance landscape.
A memorable moment captured with (from left) Encik Mahmood Razak Bahman, Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, Dr Mohd Shahwahid Hj Othman, and Puan Zarina Abu Bakar,sharing a joyful moment while holding copies of the newly launched publication.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of PLF’s latest publication “A Conversation with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang: Reflections on Public Service, Leadership, and Governance” the latest addition to the Oral History Series. The publication chronicles Tan Sri Ambrin’s distinguished career in the Malaysian Civil Service and presents his reflections on leadership, governance, institutional reform, integrity, accountability, public financial management, anti-corruption efforts, and significant national issues. Presenting edited transcripts of conversations with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, the book preserves the experiences and perspectives of one of Malaysia’s most respected public servants, contributing to a deeper understanding of public leadership and governance for present and future generations.
“A Conversation with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang: Reflections on Public Service, Leadership, and Governance” is now available for purchase at Perdana Leadership Foundation. For more information on the Foundation’s publications and programmes, please visit www.perdana.org.my.
For enquiries or future collaborations, please contact the Coordinator of this event:
Puan Nurul Humaira Kamarulzaman (humaira@perdana.org.my / nhkperdana@gmail.com, 03-8885 8960)
Encik Muizzuddin Munir (muizmunir2@gmail.com, 03 8885 8979)
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About the Publication:
“A Conversation with Tan Sri Ambrin Buang: Reflections on Public Service, Leadership, and Governance”
This publication presents a compelling and insightful exploration of the life and service of Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Haji Ambrin Buang, one of Malaysia’s most respected figures in public sector governance. Through a series of candid and thoughtful conversations, readers are taken on the journey from his humble beginnings and early years in the civil service to his distinguished tenure as Auditor-General of Malaysia.
More than a record of professional achievement, the book offers a deeper understanding of the principles and mechanisms of public governance, and why institutional integrity is key to a nation’s progress and prosperity. Tan Sri Ambrin reflects on key moments in Malaysia’s governance landscape, including public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, and major national issues such as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Rich with personal reflections, this publication explores Tan Sri Ambrin’s perspectives on leadership, integrity, and the responsibilities of public service in an increasingly complex world. His experiences offer a considered view of how trust, ethics, and institutional strength shape Malaysia’s present governance and future direction.
About the Organiser and Publisher
About Perdana Leadership Foundation
www.perdana.org.my
Perdana Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in January 2003 to document, disseminate, research, and archive materials related to the past Prime Ministers of Malaysia. The Foundation intends to become the premier institution for the study of Malaysia’s Prime Ministers and the central resource centre for research into national stewardship as well as a platform for reflection, debate, and discussion with distinguished figures in Malaysian leadership. Our Honorary President is the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad. To date, we have digitised more than 500k materials, half of which are available for free through our website www.perdana.org.my. Membership for our library is offered at an annual fee of RM10 and Library membership is open to Malaysians over the age of 13; members also get to enjoy the library’s physical facilities located in a cosy enclave in Precinct 8, Putrajaya.
