Zahid defends Malaysia's anti-corruption track record

PETALING JAYA: The Government has defended its record in fighting corruption, pledging to strengthen institutional independence and increase transparency.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) conviction rate had soared from 58% in 2009 to 78% last year.

He said the country had also improved its ranking on the International Corruption Perception Index last year, and at 50th place, had the second best track record in Asean after Singapore.

"But we intend to do far more. We have set ourselves the aim of being in the top 30 by 2020, and are looking into plans to strengthen the independence of both the MACC and the office of the Auditor-General," he said on Thursday.

Zahid, who is also Home Minister, noted that the United Nations Convention Against Corruption had last year praised Malaysia for its efforts in tackling graft.

"Malaysia received recommendations for best practices in a total of 23 areas - the highest number out of all countries reviewed," he said.

This includes the absence of a statute of limitations which helps to stop wrongdoers evading prosecution, and the establishment of 14 specialised anti-corruption courts which is instructed to hear cases within a year.

The Government had also been praised for its initiatives within the private sector, such as the signing of 142,000 integrity pacts to fight bribes and collusion.

The UN convention had also praised Malaysia for taking steps to expedite extradition procedures and simplifying requirements for evidence.

Zahid said the Public Accounts Committee would also be re-instituted during the next parliamentary sitting and continue with its inquiries, taking heed of the International Anti-Corruption Conference currently taking place in Putrajaya, themed "Ending Impunity".

He said that the heads of international NGOs at the conference had been duped into recycling baseless allegations against the Government, and we're unwittingly involving themselves in the country's internal politics.

"We are confident we will win the war against corruption, and will continue reforms to improve integrity and transparency within the public and the private sectors. Those who are found to have violated the law will be charged and prosecuted. The Prime Minister has already made this clear, but let me repeat it: there will be no impunity," added Zahid.