PEKAN: Malaysia may perform better in this year's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with the Pakatan Harapan government pursuing a string of high-profile cases, says Transparency International Malaysia president Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar (pic).
He said Malaysia placed 62 out of 180 countries last year, which was the country's worst performance ever, due to unsolved graft cases involving Tabung Haji, Felda Global Ventures and the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
"However, the Pakatan Harapan government has been doing its duty in pursuing these cases.
"A former prime minister and other officials have been arrested and charged, so it is highly likely this year's CPI will be better," he said after attending the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah's 88th birthday on Wednesday (Oct 24).
Akhbar said there were three factors that could help improve Malaysia's CPI ranking, which were political will, the effectiveness of its anti-corruption agency and support from the public.
"We also need leadership by example. The Pakatan leaders must not be involved in corruption.
"This is called rationalisation. If the boss does it, we will follow. So if they show good example, we will all be good," he said.
Despite the positive outlook, Akhbar warned that it would all come to naught if the Pakatan government could not maintain its integrity.
He said anything that had elements of corruption could affect the CPI, such as allegations of fraud in party elections.
"The experts who do the survey will surely hear and read of these allegations. All of it is taken into account," said Akhbar.
During the ceremony, Akhbar was bestowed the Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) award, which carries the title "Datuk Seri".
A total of 76 individuals received titles and awards from Pahang Regent Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah in a ceremony held at Istana Abu Bakar here.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
