MALAYSIAN Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has warned that the abuse of technology, including cyber threats, could foster a new breed of corruption in Malaysia.
He stressed the urgent need for the country to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including businesses, corporate entities, investors, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs), to develop technological solutions and best practices aimed at enhancing transparency and governance.
In his speech at the opening of the Good Governance Conference (GGC) 2025, Azam said there is an urgent need to increase the nation's institutional capacity and competencies to address evolving challenges and crises.
"The world in the coming decades will be vastly different, and technology abuse, such as cyber threats, can create entirely new forms of corruption," Bernama cited him saying.
Azam also outlined Malaysia’s long-term vision to improve its Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking, aiming for a position in the top 25 countries globally by 2033.
This ambitious target aligns with the national goals set out in the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
To reach this goal, Azam said Malaysia needs to achieve a CPI score of 68 to 70 points, targeting an annual increase of at least two points.
Currently, Malaysia ranks 57th in the 2024 CPI, maintaining the same position as in 2013.
In response to the need for substantial improvement, the government established a Special Task Force on CPI in May 2024, led by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
This task force is tasked with analyzing the nine CPI surveys and recommending strategic measures for improvement, supported by six focus groups addressing key sectors like enforcement, legislation, public fund management, business competitiveness, investment, and strategic communications.
Azam also addressed the broader impact of corruption, particularly in relation to the climate crisis, agreeing with Transparency International's concerns.
Azam highlighted how corruption contributes to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while also impeding access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and justice.
Furthermore, he stressed that corruption undermines public investments, resulting in substandard infrastructure and eroded public trust.
Referring to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2023, Azam pointed out the growing investment deficit in developing countries, now estimated at US$4 trillion annually, up from US$2.5 trillion in 2015.
This gap poses significant challenges for countries in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The GGC 2025, themed "Advancing Country's Image Through Governance Reforms: Policy-Performance-People," was organised by MACC in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IM).
The conference aims to provide deeper insights into the government's initiatives in promoting good governance and combating corruption, with discussions led by various experts and panellists. – February 24, 2025
