Collective Public-Private Action Vital To Fight Corruption - MACC

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Efforts to combat corruption require a collective commitment from both the public and private sectors to build resilient institutions and an ethical society, according to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

He said that while the government holds regulatory power, the private sector can contribute through technological innovation, access to data and operational resources.

“Efforts to combat corruption demand continuous commitment, unwavering integrity, and joint action. This public-private collaboration serves as a catalyst, bringing together strengths and shared responsibility in building a corruption-free society,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, he opened a workshop, titled ‘Advancing Integrity Together: Public-Private Partnership for Inclusive Anti-Corruption Reforms’, co-organised by the MACC and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) here.

It was attended by participants from Brunei, Denmark, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Azam also said that Malaysia has made progress in anti-corruption efforts, with the country’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranking improving to 57th in 2023 from 61st the previous year.

He said this was driven by the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019-2023, which achieved a 77 per cent implementation rate, with 85 out of 111 initiatives successfully carried out.

To maintain the momentum, the MACC has launched the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which comprises five core strategies – Education, Public Accountability, People's Voice, Enforcement and Incentives – supported by 60 sub-strategies, he said.

“In addition, the MACC has introduced various reforms, including the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain in investigations and monitoring to stay ahead of increasingly complex corruption tactics.

“Cooperation with the UNODC is crucial to advancing the global anti-corruption framework, particularly in areas such as corporate liability, private sector integrity and cross-border collaboration,” Azam added.

Also present were Rasidah Abdul Karim, director of the MACC Policy, Planning and Research Division (BDPP), and Annika Wythes, team lead of the UNODC Anti-Corruption Hub for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

-- BERNAMA