Lack of Amanah (Trust) and its implications in Governance: Issues of corruption in Malaysia

Abstract

The study examines the concept of Amanah (Trust) as spinal quality of leadership for administering the works of governance. It looks into behavior the leaders could turn out to have if trust is violated. Through analytical and inductive study of the corruption cases in the Malaysian Public Sector 2008-2018 the finding warrant the important roles Amanah (Trust) plays in keeping the integrity of the governance intact for the well-being of the state. The findings show that unchecked power lures to indiscriminate violation of trust. The study therefore proposes strict measures to control abuse and excessive power entrusted to the leaders such as decentralization of authority and strengthening the power of the anti-corruption institution.