PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki made a powerful declaration at the launch of "The Sin of Corruption: A Religious Perspective."
Drawing on his extensive 41-year tenure in anti-corruption efforts, he emphasised the critical role of both legal frameworks and spiritual values in the ongoing battle against corruption in Malaysia.
"For the past 41 years serving in the anti-corruption agency, my duty has been to charge and arrest people who commit this sin!" he said.
The MACC, he said, remained steadfast in its mission to eradicate corruption, implementing stringent laws and working diligently to bring perpetrators to justice.
"However, the moral and spiritual dimension of this battle is equally crucial," he asserted.
"We need to address the root cause of corruption, which often lies in the values and ethics of individuals and society at large. Religion and spirituality are deeply woven into the fabric of Malaysian society, influencing our values, behaviour, and ethical standards."
The event took place today at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
TI-M, an independent, non-governmental, and non-partisan organisation dedicated to combating corruption, unveiled its latest publication to an attentive audience.
According to the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023, Malaysia scored 50 points, an improvement from 47 points the previous year.
This three-point increase in the survey conducted up to August last year helped Malaysia climb to the 57th position in the CPI for 2023, compared to 61st in 2022.
"In line with the national anti-corruption goal of achieving a corruption perception index ranking of 25 by 2033, the battle to fight corruption should not be left solely on the shoulders of the Prime Minister or the MACC," said Dr Muhammad Mohan, president of TI-M.
For the first time in history, a book funded by the Prime Minister's Office explores the complex issue of corruption from the perspectives of five major religions.
This groundbreaking publication delves into how different faiths — Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism — address the moral and ethical dimensions of corruption.
By examining teachings, scriptures, and religious doctrines, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how each religion views corruption and the ethical imperatives they prescribe for combating it. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of moral and spiritual values in the fight against corruption and highlights the shared commitment across diverse religious communities to promote integrity and justice in society.