Launch of the
Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research

The second edition of the Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research (MCRCR) was launched on 29 March 2021. The launch occurred during the inaugural YSN-ASM International Scientific Virtual Conference 2021.

The MCRCR was launched by Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Bin Hashim, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology And Innovation.  According to Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad, the MCRCR is crucial to boosting and safeguarding Malaysia’s science and research endeavours. “Adherence and compliance with the code will ensure that research in Malaysia is pursued earnestly and honestly, with integrity and accountability,” he continued. The code will also help convince peers, research enterprises and funders that research ethics are well-entrenched in Malaysia.

The MCRCR will also enhance science governance in Malaysia and promote efficient implementation of policies and strategies through transparency and accountability in research and development. The code helps to avoid and manage unacceptable behaviour in research, minimise misuse of funds and simultaneously raise the standard and quality of research. Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad encouraged researchers to adopt and help promote the MCRCR, and he hopes that this will be naturally embedded among all researchers to enable Malaysian researchers to achieve the status of world class researchers.

The Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research (MCRCR) is a comprehensive, robust, and contextually-appropriate guideline which is aligned to the best practices in research and accord with international standards and practice, yet congruent with local ethical and cultural milieu and legal requirements.

MCRCR also draws guidance from several other well-established Codes around the world, including the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity 2010. The National Science Council has established the National Committee on Research Integrity (NCRI) to educate and nurture among the researchers, research entities/institutions, the media and the public on the MCRCR.

The MCRCR was formulated with consultations with relevant parties such as universities, research institutions, ministries, research funders, governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), individual researchers and legal authorities. It serves to provide a code by which research and scientific enquiries are conducted and pursued in Malaysia. It provides a strong basis to enhance the pursuit and entrepreneurship in science; its acceptance and adherence will be good to all.