KUALA LUMPUR: Integrating Corruption Perception Index achievements (CPI) into the key performance indicators (KPI) of government agencies could reduce the risk of corrupt practices, said anti-graft watchdogs.
Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim said by integrating CPI achievements into KPIs, the government demonstrated a firm commitment to accountability and tackling corruption at all levels.
"MCW would likely view the recommendation to make the CPI a KPI for government agencies as a positive and necessary step. CPI, as a global measure of perceived corruption in public sectors, serves as an important benchmark for transparency and governance.
"MCW has consistently emphasised the need for more robust, data-driven policies and governance frameworks to prevent and combat corruption.
"Linking the performance of agencies to CPI can push them to adopt stronger anti-corruption measures, improve transparency and reduce the risk of corrupt practices," he said.
However, he cautioned that while the CPI was important, it should be complemented by tangible reforms, continuous monitoring and on-the-ground efforts to engage the public, ensure compliance and foster a culture of integrity within government institutions.
"Additionally, MCW would encourage the use of independent assessments and audits to ensure that agencies' progress in improving their CPI scores is genuine and not merely focused on improving public perception without addressing the root causes of corruption.
"This could align well with MCW's advocacy for strengthening institutions, enhancing legal frameworks, and improving the overall integrity system in Malaysia," he said.
Earlier today, the government was told to consider making CPI achievements a KPI for all relevant government agencies.
This is one of the seven resolutions of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) National Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption Research Conference.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the resolutions would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance meeting.
Transparency International-Malaysia president Dr Muhammad Mohan said in order for Malaysia to climb the CPI rankings, it was important for all agencies and ministries to execute the necessary strategies and initiatives.
"The CPI is an indicator covering a wide scope. It is not limited to corruption. This is the common misunderstanding among many thinking that CPI is only influenced by the number of arrests made by MACC.
"This is only one of the dimensions measured. The CPI measures issues related to bribery, diversion of public funds, commitment of the government to reforms and fighting corruption, level of restrictions on freedom of information, abuse of power, prosecution of corrupt officials, legal protection for whistleblowers, state capture, human rights and democracy.
"Since the CPI is a holistic measure of good governance of a nation, it is very important for every agency and ministry to play their part. Every initiative executed and completed must be demonstrated with evidence in their respective websites," he said.
He said Malaysia needed the political will and leadership to execute all the reforms within the next nine years if Malaysia aimed to rank among the top 25 in the CPI.
Malaysia scored 50 points in last year's CPI compared with 47 points the previous year.
The increase in three points in the survey conducted up to August last year helped Malaysia to climb to 57th position in the CPI for 2023 compared with 61st in 2022.