MALAYSIANS go to the polls in a few days on Nov 19 to elect a new Federal government.
This is an important part of our democratic process where the rakyat chooses who will lead the country for the next five years.
It is therefore imperative for the incoming government to make fighting corruption in all its forms an urgent priority.
This call is not made lightly. There are sufficient signs to tell us that the level of corruption is troubling and must be addressed immediately:
- Malaysia’s score and rank in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has been gradually declining over the past few years;
- A former prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) is currently in jail, having been convicted of criminal breach of trust (CBT), abuse of power and money laundering while holding office; and
- We see regular reports of politicians, civil servants and business people being charged and convicted for corruption-related offences.
The incoming government must recognise and acknowledge this situation. Once in Putrajaya, party manifestos and promises become secondary with policies and legislation being the focus.
So, what can it do? TI-M suggests the following recommendations which in our opinion are crucial:
- Table the Political Financing Act
- Implement the National Anti-Corruption Plan
- Strengthen the Whistleblower Protection Act (2010)
- Separate the roles of the Attorney-General and (AG) public prosecutor
- Ensure the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) can function effectively and independently
A government that represents the rakyat must be accountable in ensuring that public funds are used transparently for the benefit of the rakyat. Practice zero tolerance to leakages, secrecy, abuse of power and personal gain.
Anything less will be a failure in the nation’s fight against corruption. – Nov 15, 2022
Dr Muhammad Mohan is Transparency International Malaysia’s (TI-M) president.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
