Malaysia on right track to reduce corruption

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is on the right track to reduce corruption in the country, recording no report on the matter since the coalition party took over Putrajaya in May.

This was among the highlighted issues raised at the one-day Anti-Corruption Summit 2018, organised by the Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M).

TI-M Secretary-General Dr Muhammad Mohan, when presenting the highlights of the summit, said under the administration led by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, issues involving corruption had been taken seriously from all aspects, including government servants.

He said the government would take stern action against the corrupt parties, both receiver and giver, hence facing the consequence and punishment once found guilty.

Muhammad said the procurement area had been identified among the most vulnerable elements that helped expose corruption activities, while culture and religion had been addressed as the major challenges to combat corruption.

“Among other highlights of this summit were, the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), introduced in 2001, had been taken seriously and any money laundering activity would face legal action,” he said.

Muhammad pointed out that issues related to illegal immigrants also had been identified as among the serious problems in Malaysia that were linked to corruption.

Touching on the Corporate Liability Provision of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 that would take place in 2020, he said more awareness, learning and education were needed to emphasise on this provision.

It was reported that the government has proposed amendments to this act that would make corporations liable for the corrupt practices of its associated persons.

Meanwhile, when met after closing the summit, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the government welcomed the proposal to introduce a new act on legislation against economic sabotage as it would help spur Malaysia’s economy.

He said the proposal, suggested by the national Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) would also be able to curb the selling of contracts and import permits licence (APs).

Themed “Good Governance and Integrity for Sustainable Business Growth” the oneday event was organised by Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M)

It attracted some 500 participants and a list of local and international speakers including TI-M President Datuk Akhbar Satar, Immigration Department director general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, former Petro Saudi employee Xavier Andre Justo and Anti-Corruption Advisor UNODC - South East Asia and Pacific Francesco Checchi. - Bernama