KUALA LUMPUR: Key initiatives undertaken by Malaysia to weed out corruption are showing positive and tangible results, besides being effective in winning over the hearts and minds of the people, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said a survey conducted by Transparency International last year, showed that 49 per cent of Malaysians felt that the government’s efforts in fighting corruption were effective, compared to only 29 per cent in 2009.
“I’m certain that given time, Malaysia will be successful in its war on corruption, and further improve public perception
towards the government’s anti-corruption efforts,” he said when closing the 6th International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) Conference and General Meeting here yesterday.
Among the initiatives and reforms introduced by the government in the war against graft include the Whistle Blower Protection Act 2010, special corruption courts, implementation of Integrity Pacts, corporate integrity pledge, as well as the Name and Shame Database.
Present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, IAACA president Prof Cao Jianming and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohammed.
In addition to the ongoing initiatives, Muhyiddin said the government had allocated RM276 million in the recently tabled Budget 2013 for the commission to carry out its duties.
Muhyiddin said corruption was a global scourge that might damage poor and rich countries alike, undermining commitments to sustain economic prosperity and social well-being.
Therefore, he called upon the governments of IAACA member states to continuously work together, especially in sharing experiences and best-practices to facilitate greater capacity building in a bid to fight corruption more effectively.
“It’s for certain that in this globalised world, we’ll not be able to fight against corruption in isolation,” he said, adding that the rapid development of technology and modern communication had contributed to more sophisticated corruption activities.
The deputy prime minister said such international cooperation was necessary to enhance capacity and capability of anti-corruption bodies, with a view to equipping anti-corruption officials with the most effective skills, knowledge and technology to wipe out graft.
Muhyiddin noted that the 27-point Kuala Lumpur Declaration that was unanimously agreed by the conference participants was an important milestone in the joint efforts to tackle the corruption menace. — Bernama