MALAYSIA, through the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), is set to host the 21st Principals Meeting of the ASEAN Parties Against Corruption (ASEAN-PAC) from 28 to 30 October 2025 at Sunway Resort Hotel, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in the fight against corruption.
The event, organised under Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, reflects the nation’s commitment to unity, integrity, and accountability among ASEAN member states.
“Steps such as this indirectly demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to the global mission against corruption through diplomatic cooperation and knowledge sharing,” said Datuk Rasidah Abdul Karim, Director of MACC’s Policy, Planning and Research Division.
ASEAN-PAC brings together anti-corruption agencies from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer.
Established in 2004 as the South East Asia Parties Against Corruption (SEA-PAC) and formally recognised as an ASEAN entity in 2019, the platform facilitates cross-border collaboration, including information exchange, joint training, and collective action to address integrity challenges in the region.
“MACC, formerly known as the Anti-Corruption Agency, has been a founding member and has hosted key ASEAN-PAC meetings over the past two decades, including the first Principals Meeting in 2005 and the tenth in 2015.
“In 2025, Malaysia once again assumes this responsibility, strengthening its role as a strategic regional partner in the anti-corruption agenda,” Rasidah said.
The 2025 meeting, under the theme ‘Strengthening ASEAN Unity: Public-Private Collaboration in Combating Corruption’, emphasises cooperation between the public and private sectors to foster an economic ecosystem grounded in integrity and resilience, aligned with sustainable development goals.
International organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), and the Platform for International Academic Cooperation on Anti-Corruption (PIACCF), have also been invited to contribute to the discussions.
“Key agendas include reviewing the ASEAN-PAC Action Plan 2023–2025, endorsing the 2026–2028 plan, and presenting member states’ experiences in implementing anti-corruption initiatives.
“Three side events are also planned: a Showcase of Prevention Work, a High-Level Dialogue on Private Sector Compliance and Culture of Integrity with UNODC, and a Hospitality Programme highlighting Malaysian culture,” she added.
MACC will also unveil the ASEAN-PAC Portal, an interactive digital platform for regional information exchange, training, and best practices, showcasing Malaysia’s digital transformation in advancing international anti-corruption diplomacy.
“What is more important is that this gathering is not merely an annual meeting but a manifestation of ASEAN’s consensus to reject corruption and enhance global confidence in the region’s integrity.
“For Malaysia, it elevates the country as a hub of regional anti-corruption diplomacy and a credible reference centre for integrity. For ASEAN, the meeting provides a crucial platform to develop an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive action plan towards a corruption-free and high-integrity region,” Rasidah said. - October 27, 2025
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