THE weaknesses of Malaysian government administrative framework and institutions in fighting corruption is glaring with the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) is deeply troubled by Malaysia’s dismal score of 47 points which ranked the country at the 61st spot alongside countries like China, Cuba Armenia and Jordan.

The damaging result positions Malaysia as a struggling nation desperate to rise beyond the worsening socio-political and economic depression perpetuated by widespread corruption.

“One of the main reasons for Malaysia’s deplorable score was the evident lack of political will among lawmakers to strategically and effectively address corruption that, by now, has become institutionalised,” C4 Centre highlighted in a media statement.

“The continual slide in perceptions will also have a negative economic impact in terms of foreign investors’ confidence at a time when Malaysia needs all the support it can get to revitalise a troubled economy.”

In view of such development, C4 Centre urged the government to look into any outstanding and critical reform efforts, particularly those aligned to the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019-2023 initiatives.

“C4 Centre remains steadfast in advocating for robust institutional reforms and stands ready to provide assistance to realise the many initiatives discussed and proposed under the NACP,” the non-governmental organisation (NGO) which promotes good and clean governance in Malaysia pointed out.

“The corruption that threatens to undermine the nation’s institutions in favour of the self-interests of certain individuals must be arrested before Malaysia’s governance worsens to the point of no return.”

Towards this end, it proposed six recommendations for the government:

In the same vein, accord public interest defence to whistleblowers who disclose information despite being prohibited by written laws such as Official Secrets Act 1972, Section 133 of Financial Services Act 2013 as well as Section 203A of the Penal Code;

In addition, an oversight entity to oversee MACC’s appointments for the post of chief commissioner, its budget and manpower-related areas should be set up;

Having a law to govern it will minimise direct negotiations, thus increasing transparency and encouraging inclusivity for public participation and scrutiny in matters relating to procurement for the people’s welfare; and

https://focusmalaysia.my/c4-centre-lack-of-political-underscores-malaysias-slide-in-global-corruption-index/