Cover image via The Telegraph UKDPM Zahid Hamidi sings praises for Malaysia's corruption fighting records
Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz has defended Jose Ugaz's speech criticising Najib
Nazri, often **critical of any criticism against the ruling party** and its members, has come forward **defending Jose Ugaz,** Transparency International chief's fiery speech about the **corruption scandals in Malaysia** at the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference on Wednesday.
Transparency International (TI) chief José Ugaz's speech perfectly captured current Malaysian sentiments
In his inspiring speech during the opening of the **16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC),** Jose has brought to light the **seriousness of our corruption-ridden country's** state.
Putting Malaysia on par with other war-torn, corrupt countries with its people revolting against injustice, Jose likened the uprisings as warnings to unscrupulous leaders
"Hundreds of thousands of people are sending a message to the corrupt. **Your days of impunity are numbered,"** said Jose.
The countries mentioned in his speech would serve as a **reality check** to any Malaysian **doubting the damaging effects of a corrupt government.**
**Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala and Iraq** were the countries put on the same pedestal as Malaysia.
Militants from the Islamic State parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle on a main street in Mosul, Iraq
Image via Times Union
In Malaysia, the uprising from the masses started when Bersih 2.0, an organisation fighting for clean and fair elections started their first rally in 2007
The latest march for a **truly democratic country** organised by Bersih 2.0, **[Bersih 4,](http://says.com/my/news/bersih-4-latest-updates-and-developments) started on 29 August and lasted till the midnight of 30 August.**
The rally saw **hundreds of thousands of Malaysians protesting against Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak,** asking him to resign following **scandalous money misappropriation allegations against him.**
José hit close to home when he said that robbing rights to speech and press freedom from the people makes it all the more difficult to battle corruption
His detailed account of **atrocities committed towards people fighting against corrupted, unlawful individuals** was both angering and sad.
Activists, journalists and members of the society have been **cruelly penalized for wanting expose corruption and heinous crimes against human rights.**
According to the **International Press Institute (IPI),** a devastating number of **[48 journalists](http://www.freemedia.at/death-watch.html?tx_incoredeathwatch_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=663&tx_incoredeathwatch_pi1%5BshowYear%5D=2015&cHash=6a6574c4d389f53ac50b4d8729dabf7a) have been murdered so far this year.**
Guatemalan journalists seen taking part in a protest after Danilo Lopez of Prensa Libre was shot
Image via Johan Ordoñez/AFP
People carrying the coffins of Danilo Lopez and Frederico Salazar
Image via Thomas Reuters Foundation
Azerbaijan journalist Khadija Ismayilova has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years
Image via The Guardian
Jose mentioned that **fighting against corruption takes courage** and with that a moment of silence was observed by all present at the speech for **everyone that has been unjustly killed and punished for fighting against corruption.**
Most parts of José's speech creatively summed up all the rising atrocities in Malaysia
He mentioned four things that **personify corruption; those with integrity removed, secret deals, cronies appointed and violations of human rights.**
Image via The Telegraph UK
According to José, Najib holds the key to the multi-million dollar mystery surrounding 1MDB and Najib
Jose's powerful closing statement takes a hit at Malaysian ruling government's favourite response to all problems: Reforms!
He stressed that promises on reforms alone are not enough and those **promises will not do any good in restoring people's trust in the government.**
Image via Los Angeles Times
PM Najib Razak was advised not to launch the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC)
Najib was slated to launch the conference but **backed out after being advised against doing so** by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during a press conference
Image via The Star Online
To read the full transcribed opening speech by José Ugaz, click [here.](http://www.transparency.org/news/speech/who_paid_the_money_and_why)
If you want to watch all the speeches and discussions held during the conference, including Jose's, then you can do so [here.](http://livestream.com/accounts/14866022/events/4312206/videos/97950004)
