Corruption index gives inaccurate picture of our anti-graft efforts: PM

KUALA LUMPUR – The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which evaluates countries globally, is not a true reflection of the actual situation on the ground, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in defending Malaysia’s drop in the latest ranking.

The Umno vice-president also gave his commitment to not protect any individuals involved in graft cases, in what was his strongest statement yet against corruption amid ongoing trials against some of his party’s leaders.

Responding to multiple questions in the Dewan Rakyat, Ismail Sabri pointed out that the 2021 CPI is a barometer published by Transparency International, of which measurements of corruption are done based merely on “perceptions”.

He noted that these studies are conducted by international institutions, and that Malaysia’s score was calculated based on nine of 13 studies by various global agencies.

“Among the items that influenced Malaysia’s score and ranking in the CPI are nonidentical questions for different respondent countries, as well as different number of countries’ involvement each year.

“For instance, Brunei is not involved in the 2021 CPI,” he said in Parliament today while noting that Malaysia is ranked second among nine Southeast Asian states.

“The government, through the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption, have conducted a series of engagements with stakeholders to ensure CPI reports are fairer and provide the actual picture.”

Ismail Sabri said the very fact Malaysia had agreed to be evaluated in the 2021 CPI showed the country’s transparency and commitment in improving governance.

He also stressed the government’s commitment to implement initiatives as highlighted under the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023, but said its results could take time.

“We must remember that our efforts are long-term in nature, and as such, their results can only be seen in the future,” he said.

In the latest CPI report published on January 25, Malaysia was ranked 62 out of 180 countries, dropping five spots from 2020, with a score of 48.

Transparency International Malaysia president Muhammad Mohan said the drop could be due to multiple reasons, including stalled institutional reforms, acquittals and discharges in corruption cases, and limited progress in high-profile cases.

Ismail Sabri argued that Malaysia’s drop in the ranking was not only influenced by corruption cases, but also other factors such as issues regarding human rights.

He also acknowledged the lack of reforms and amendments to several laws, including the introduction of a political funding act, as being among the considerations behind the country’s poor score.

No selective prosecution

In his supplementary question, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the perception of corruption had increased in Malaysia as there is no political will to address high-profile cases such as the Pandora Papers and ongoing issues concerning 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

He said recent revelations that key institutions like Bank Negara Malaysia were involved in the 1MDB case have also not helped the country’s reputation.

“Those involved are still travelling around as though there are no problems. This will hurt Malaysia’s image, especially if there is no political will to act.”

To this, Ismail Sabri stressed that the government will not protect anyone from the rule of law, and vowed to let the courts make any decision they deem fit.

“There are so many ongoing cases in court, be it involving the opposition or government. This shows the government is serious in acting against graft.

“Whoever is responsible will face the court. You can’t assume that the government today is protecting certain individuals just to satisfy them.

“We don’t know about the past, whether there were selective prosecutions or not, but today, there won’t be any. This is my government’s promise,” he said.

Currently, several top Umno leaders are facing multiple corruption charges, with the two highest profile names being former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and current Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. – The Vibes, March 1, 2022