Dzulkifli: Foreign investors’ perception of Malaysia will improve

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is confident that the country’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score will improve following the blitz on corruption among government servants.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad said he was confident that the graft-buster’s efforts will bear fruit.

He noted that it has been less than a year since he assumed the post last August.

“I have four more years ahead and will continue to put pressure on those involved in this unhealthy practice.

“I am very sure that even investors will be attracted to Malaysia following the war waged by MACC against corrupt practices.

“I will not cower or be beaten into submission and I give an assurance that the arrests will continue indefinitely,” he said in connection with the commission’s 3J (Jangan Hulur, Jangan Kawtim, Jangan Settle) campaign yesterday.

Malaysia scored 49 points in the 2016 CPI report by Transparency International.

The country’s CPI score averaged 49.73 from 1995 until 2016, reaching a record 53.2 in 1996 and a low of 43 in 2011.

The CPI ranks countries and territories based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be.

The scale ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Dzulkifli dismissed a political leader’s allegations that MACC practised double standards by only arresting “small fry” and not politicians.

“My advice to those doubting our efforts is to be patient. It is only a matter of time before we take action,” he said.

Dzulkifli also said that he had met with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s committee and it supports MACC’s war against corruption.

“We believe the business community is happy with our operations, which will improve foreign investors’ perceptions of Malaysia.”