The Malaysian Institute of Integrity (MII) paid tribute yesterday to the late Azizan Zainul Abidin, the former chairperson of national oil company Petronas and Malaysia Airlines, and called on industry captains to support the development of young professionals with integrity.

The tribute, which took place at the Hilton Kuala Lumur's Grand Ballroom, also saw the launch of the Tan Sri Zainul Abidin Integrity Circles for Young Professionals (Tsazaic).

Azizan, said to have been 'instrumental' in turning Petronas into one of the region's biggest resulting in being listed on the Fortune 500, was lauded by MII chairperson Mohd Sidek Hassan, as having been a role model for "integrity and moral fortitude".

"We take note that his life is a testimony of his belief in serving for the right cause and leaders, with utmost loyalty and integrity, without even pausing to consider 'what is in it for me," said Sidek, who is also Chief Secretary to the government.

Tsazaic, designed by both MII and the Petronas Management Training division with contributions from the Malaysian chapter of Transparency International, is aimed at developing young professionals with leadership skills.

Spread the lessons

It kicked off last year with two batches of 39 young professionals from the civil service, corporate bodies and civil society. Twenty four received their certificates of completion from Sidek at the function.

They are expected to spread the lessons learned from the courses they underwent to other young professionals, who would in turn be nominated to undergo the Tsazaic program and be part of the Circle.

Sidek said MII "will keep your trust in bringing this programme to the level befitting its merits" and encouraged industry captains to choose their best young professionals for IIM's consideration.

"They will be duly taught, guided and coached in the discipline of ethics and integrity and in turn, you corporations and organisations can rely on a growing number of ethical and good future leaders to continue your business," said Sidek.

Also present to grace the event was Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan, Azizan's widow Noor Ainee Che' The, Petronas vice-president in charge of education Dr Rosti Saruwono, and MII president Dr Mohd Tap Salleh.