Malaysia's Efforts To Curb Corruption Show Little Results In Corruption Perception Index

Malaysia’s CPI score is 50 out of 100 for this year, as compared with 49/100 for last year.
Malaysia improved on its world corruption perception index (CPI) by a spot to be ranked 53rd out of 177 countries this year, in a survey conducted by Transparency International (TI) Malaysia.
Malaysia was ranked 54 last year.

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According to TI-M, the index does not only compare reported bribes and prosecutions, but also the efficiency of investigators, prosecutors, the courts, and the media in exposing corruption.
The index uses data compiled in the past 24 months, and is touted as having immense influence on foreign investors.

The average score worldwide was 43, with 70 per cent countries scoring less than 50.

Malaysia scored 50, ranking 53 out of 177 countries surveyed compared to last year’s score of 49 and rank of 54 out of 176 countries.

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This year Malaysia tied with Turkey, and improved by one point over its 54th place ranking in 2012. Regionally it placed 3rd, behind Singapore at No. 5 and Brunei at No. 38, but fared far better than the Philippines (94) and neighboring Thailand (102) and Indonesia (114).

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The five countries that top the CPI are Denmark, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Singapore, while the bottom five are Somalia, North Korea, Afghanistan, Sudan, and South Sudan.

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In announcing the global index capturing perceptions of corruption in the public sector today, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) claimed the level of graft experienced in the nation has not significantly decreased.

“Stronger measures and practices need to be enforced and must be taken to eliminate entrenched interests and processes that support abuses,” TI-M said in a statement here.

TI-M president Datuk Akhbar Satar said there is also a possibility that handouts and alleged money politics in the 13th General Elections might have contributed to Malaysia’s measly score.

Comparatively, Malaysia has done better. But the small bump in rank also underscores the challenge the Malaysian government faces in cutting corruption in one of Southeast Asia’s most developed economies.

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“We are heading on the right track, but the government must work harder; there needs to be more high profile cases, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) needs to be more efficient,” Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) president Datuk Akhbar Satar said.

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Akhbar recommends that the government restore public confidence by going after high-ranking officials, improving transparency by repealing gag laws such as the Official Secrets Act and Section 203A of the Penal Code Amendment.

He also recommended that the MACC be given more independence, resources, and that the MACC Act be amended so the agency can pursue cases without fear or favour.

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