PUTRAJAYA, Feb 11 (Bernama) — The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has stressed that reform efforts must be driven by credible actions that deliver tangible impact, not merely decisions or agreements at the policy level, for Malaysia to realise its target of being among the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033.
Welcoming the latest CPI development, which recorded Malaysia with a score of 52 points to move up three places to 54th globally, the EAIC said public perception of corruption must change to reflect the country’s serious commitment to integrity, in line with the CPI improvement target.
“Perceptions and narratives surrounding corruption and misconduct must be viewed as a form of plunder against the nation, requiring every public servant to act promptly and courageously to prevent entrenched offences,” EAIC said in a statement today.
According to the EAIC, this requires authorities and heads of departments to be more transparent and prepared to take potentially unpopular measures, including implementing disciplinary recommendations and removing corrupt officers as firm steps to uphold institutional integrity and accountability.
“The EAIC also welcomes Transparency International Malaysia’s emphasis on detailed institutional and legislative reforms, including the establishment of an Ombudsman Malaysia, which must be carefully planned and implemented without loopholes, effectively and with greater tangible benefits than existing agencies,” the statement said.
The EAIC said that as head of the Enforcement Focus Group under the CPI Special Task Force, it will continue to implement initiatives and mechanisms to strengthen the integrity and accountability of enforcement agencies.
“The EAIC believes that through commitment to concrete action and robust governance, Malaysia can achieve a top 25 CPI ranking and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s integrity,” the statement added.
— BERNAMA