al-Ghazali’s Ethical Framework for Strengthening Political Integrity in Malaysia towards Society 5.0

Abstract

As societies move toward Society 5.0, technological advancement is increasingly shaping political decision making. In Malaysia, this shift unfolds alongside the Madani vision, which places strong emphasis on integrity, trust, and human dignity. This article argues that the main challenge in realising an ethical Society 5.0 is not technological readiness, but the persistent problem of political integrity. To address this concern, the article turns to the ethical thought of al Ghazali and proposes a leadership framework grounded in tazkiyah al Nafs (moral self discipline), niyyah (ethical intention), and ‘adl (justice). Rather than treating these concepts as abstract ideals, the study shows how they can guide contemporary political leadership in navigating the ethical pressures of techno-governance. The key contribution of this article lies in connecting classical Islamic ethical insights with present day governance challenges, offering a model that speaks both to moral responsibility and practical leadership. It concludes that integrating this al Ghazalian ethical approach into Malaysia’s political culture is vital for ensuring that technological progress remains alligned with human values and the broader aspirations of the Madani framework.