GOBIND HAILS INROADS IN GRAFT FIGHT
Malaysia now respected as a clean and democratic country, says minister
MALAYSIA under the Pakatan Harapan government has managed to distance itself from corruption and abuse of power through various initiatives since 2018.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, in expressing satisfaction with the achievement, said Malaysia had garnered international recognition as a result of these efforts.
“From being labelled a kleptocratic country mired in various graft scandals and abuse of power, our country is now praised for having surmounted these formidable challenges and is respected as a clean and democratic government,” he said.
The various measures undertaken to combat corruption and abuse of power, as well as strengthening administrative and enforcement institutions, had placed the country at 51st spot in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) this year, compared with 61st place in 2018.
The ranking last year included 180 countries.
It is Malaysia’s best achievement in a span of eight years.
As for the Democracy Index 2019, Malaysia had performed well, moving up nine places to 43rd place among 167 countries.
Malaysia also registered its best score of 7.16 points out of 10 since the inception of the index in 2006.
“These achievements can be attributed to unwavering commitment of the new government to reforms implemented progressively since May 2018 in the administrative, media, legislative, political and socio-economic sectors.”
Gobind said some of the initiatives were fulfilments of Pakatan Harapan’s election pledges, including swift action in highprofile cases involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd, SRC International Sdn Bhd, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), Felda and Tabung Haji.
Greater press freedom, having a Public Accounts Committee chaired by an opposition lawmaker, requiring lawmakers to declare their assets and the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan were also identified as the contributing factors, he said.
Gobind gave his assurance that the government would not be resting on its laurels despite the achievements, and would continue to remain committed in ensuring that the country was free from corruption.
He hoped that the people would support the government to keep Malaysia clean and corruption-free.
“Malaysia is now seen as a country that is chalking up successes in its relentless battle against corruption.
“This is indeed a major achievement for the new government and it is part of the measures being taken to ensure the successful realisation of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030,” he said.