THE Malaysian Anit-Corruption Agency (MACC) is entering a decisive phase in its graft agenda, with artificial intelligence (AI), education and institutional reforms driving the country's National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028. Sixteen of the strategy’s 60 sub-strategies have already been successfully implemented across 11 ministries and agencies since its launch in May 2024.
Among those contributing to this early progress are the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, and the National Audit Department.
Five sub-strategies were completed last year, with a further 11 achieved in 2025 to date (as of August), marking what MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki described as “a tangible demonstration of agency commitment and capacity.”
He stressed that the real challenge is no longer drafting blueprints but delivering on them. “It’s about implementation, not just planning,” he told media in a recent interview at MACC headquarters.
To this end, the MACC has introduced two monitoring dashboards: r-NACS, which tracks internal agency performance quarterly, and d-NACS, a public-facing platform that displays completed sub-strategies.
“The success of NACS will contribute towards Malaysia’s goal of reaching the top 25 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033,” Azam said.
The Chief Secretary to the Government has taken a hands-on role in overseeing public sector reforms and chairs the CPI Task Force. The task force is reviewing nine international surveys used in CPI assessments, with support from six focus groups led by agencies including the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), Ministry of Finance, and Malaysian Productivity Corporation.
These focus groups are tasked with analysing CPI data, identifying systemic weaknesses, conducting stakeholder engagement and proposing targeted reforms. Their reports feed into both the CPI Task Force and the Cabinet Special Committee on National Governance (JKKTN).
Azam added that AI is playing a critical role in transforming anti-corruption efforts, describing it as “a practical weapon to detect, monitor and prevent corrupt practices.”
“By removing many of the human touchpoints in administrative processes, digitalisation reduces the opportunities for bribery, manipulation and abuse of power,” he said.
The MACC is currently using natural language processing to mine unstructured data, open-source intelligence tools to trace digital trails, and optical character recognition (OCR) to digitise documents with greater accuracy. Automation is now being used to prepare data and detect suspicious trends, while AI-powered dashboards provide real-time visibility into case progress and resource allocation.
In governance, AI-driven platforms are being deployed for managing whistleblower complaints, digital evidence tracking, and oversight of ministries and public institutions. The MACC’s fingerprint system now digitally records offenders, enhancing investigative continuity.
Public communication has also evolved. In a bid to reach younger Malaysians, the MACC launched ‘Sara’—short for *Saya Anti-Rasuah*—a digital ambassador on TikTok powered by conversational AI. Supported by tools like Resemble AI and Heygen, the commission now produces engaging, high-quality content without traditional filming methods.
This strategy was recognised at the 5th ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, where the MACC won accolades for social media use, crisis management and public relations.
Nevertheless, Azam cautioned that unregulated AI poses risks such as deepfakes and disinformation. “AI must never replace human responsibility,” he said. “Any decision made using AI must be auditable and open to scrutiny.”
Malaysia’s broader anti-corruption framework is also targeting education and the private sector. Anti-corruption awareness is being introduced at preschool level through digital modules, comics and a mascot character. Integrity training is now compulsory at universities, embedding ethics across the national curriculum.
“Children learn best through activity, not just books,” Azam said, citing Hong Kong’s success in developing a corruption-intolerant culture through early education.
Reforms also extend to the business community. G7 contractors bidding for government projects over RM100 million are now encouraged to obtain ISO 37001 anti-bribery certification within two years. Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009 also holds companies liable for corrupt acts by their employees.
MACC’s oversight spans 1.4 million civil servants and government-linked companies (GLCs), which collectively manage billions in public funds. Azam said the government is exploring tax incentives for individuals and businesses engaging in recognised anti-corruption programmes and financial rewards for credible whistleblowers.
He also urged a review of witness allowances to reflect present-day living costs. “If a witness has to leave work or pay for transport to testify, we must recognise this burden,” he said.
Among the key reforms delivered under NACS are the Border Control and Protection Agency Act to combat smuggling, mandatory beneficial ownership declarations in procurement, e-Vetting 3.0 for recruitment screening, and amendments to the Parliamentary Services Act to bolster legislative independence.
The National Audit Department has also revamped its guidelines and upgraded the Auditor-General’s Dashboard, while MACC has introduced version 3.0 of its complaint management system to streamline feedback and status updates for informants.
Ultimately, Azam said, NACS provides the structure while technology delivers the tools.
“People’s confidence is not built on slogans, but on justice delivered and proven integrity,” he said. “Integrity Malaysia is not only for our citizens to see but for the world to respect.” - August 28, 2025
