Just yesterday (22nd February), Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report revealed that Malaysia dropped an alarming seven spots from last year, landing in 62nd place out of 180 countries after scoring 47 out of 100 points. This puts us on par with Cuba in terms of perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businessmen. Yikes!
The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC)’s chief commissioner, Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad, expressed that the commission was shocked at the results of the report. He stated that the results did not reflect MACC’s efforts in battling corruption.
Source: Transparency International
In light of the results, MACC has reportedly set up a committee to look into the latest CPI results. The commissioner was reported by the Malay Mail Online as saying,
“Since the existing CPI is a perception or study about the position of corruption in Malaysia is carried out by foreign expatriates, it does not reflect the reality of the situation. However, we do not reject the index and we will also look into the findings.”
Now, the commission has unveiled plans to create Malaysia’s very own corruption index in order to measure the levels of corruption in the country.
Source: The Mole
According to the chief commissioner, the paperwork regarding the proposal will be presented at the next Anti-Corruption Advisory Board meeting. It will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. He was quoted as saying,
“It is time for us to have our own and more effective index. We do not want to look solely from the angle of perceptions but also the reality.”
“Give the MACC some time, maybe within two to three months before (the proposal) being brought to the higher level.”
Once this is approved, an independent body and academicians will carry out a study to ensure that the index is transparent. Tan Sri Dzulkifli added that this can help study corruption and abuse of power in the country from Malaysians’ perspective.
What do you guys think of this proposed Malaysian index? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Malaysia Ranked #62 in Latest Corruption Perceptions Index, Worst in 5 Years
