PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has the potential to break into the top 25 of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) within the next decade.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence that the country could achieve this goal, given its consistent improvements in recent years.
"In 2023, Malaysia ranked 57th, up from 61st the year before.
"To reach the top 25 in the next 10 years, we are implementing several efforts. We head a committee involving stakeholders from the Finance Ministry, the police, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, and the Home Ministry,"he said during an interview at Sri Pentas recently.
Azam said that these agencies played a critical role in the CPI ranking, as it reflected not just corruption prevention but also governance and business practices.
Malaysia's CPI score improved to 50 points in 2023, compared to 47 in 2022, placing the country in 57th out of 180 nations.
Within Asean, Malaysia ranks second after Singapore, which scored 83 and ranks fifth globally.
Azam said that the newly-formed committee would explore the best strategies for advancing Malaysia's CPI position.
"Our immediate priority, or 'quick win,' is to enforce laws, educate the public, ensure proper governance, and identify necessary legislative reforms. Transparency International looks closely at how we reform our systems and legislation to prevent corruption," he added.
Addressing the growing complexity of corruption due to technological advancements, he said the MACC was evolving its methods, including adopting new investigative technologies.
"We've made significant changes in just the past three years, improving investigation techniques, intelligence gathering, and issue analysis. Without these, it's hard to build solid cases," he added.
Azam also revealed that MACC now used advanced technology to streamline investigations, reducing reliance on human resources and increasing efficiency.
"Our investigations are more systematic, using existing laws, team-based approaches, and input from our forensic technology and accounting experts. This ensures a comprehensive and effective response."
He said that the MACC could now resolve cases more quickly and effectively and is focused on recovering stolen assets.
"We aim to ensure that criminals don't profit from stolen property, and where possible, we work to bankrupt them rather than let them enjoy their ill-gotten gains," he said.
As MACC celebrates its 57th anniversary, Azam urged staff to renew their commitment to fighting corruption and staying relevant in the eyes of the public.