Malaysia's corruption index dipped further in 2022
SYDI ALIF31 Jan 2023 01:05pm
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan (right) presenting Malaysia's deteriorating scores on the corruption perception index over the past three years. - SYDI ALIF
The CPI score dropped to 47 points in TI's most recent assessment, a 6-point decline over the previous three years.
According to TI-Malaysia, "this decline is statistically significant, showing that we are headed in the wrong path with regards to combating corruption, defending human rights, and promoting democracy in the public sector.
"Malaysia continues to drop points in Transparency International's (TI) 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)," Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan said.
Among possible reasons contributing to the score decline is limited action from previous governments to curb political corruption and to strengthen Human Rights record.
Notably, the Political Financing Act which was scheduled to be tabled in Parliament by the last two governments has yet to be realised, Muhammad pointed out.
Noting the newly formed Unity Government, he highlighted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's prioritisation on the country's precarious fiscal position and good governance are inter-related. The head of TI-M said,
"Reducing corruption, leakages, wastage and non-viable projects will help improve our fiscal position.
"It will also make Malaysia a more attracive destination for foreign investment. Finally, a public sector that practices good governancewill also translate into better CPI scores for Malaysia moving forward," he added.
TI-Malaysia urged the government to take firm, clear steps necessary to address the declining CPI score without compromise.
"Any delay will have a long lasting negative impact on our competitiveness as a nation and our goal to be a nation which values ethics and integrity."
