Top 25 spot in Corruption Perception Index is attainable, says Mohd Zuki

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's target of a top 25 ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) within 10 years is realistic and achievable, says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali (pic).

He said based on current efforts by the government, he is confident that the country's position in the index will improve.

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"The CPI is more about the perception of the country by the outside community which has dealings with us.

"What is most important is that we show the government is serious in ensuring that we can lower the CPI ranking," he said.

"We will realise it if we move as a team to ensure that issues related to governance and integrity can be improved over time," he told reporters after officiating the 2023 National Integrity Month celebrations here on Tuesday (Oct 31).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said when unveiling the Madani Economy: Empowering the People framework in July that the government is aiming for Malaysia to be in the top 25 of the CPI in 10 years.

According to a Transparency International (TI) report, Malaysia was in 61st position out of 180 countries last year, compared to 62nd in 2021.

Earlier in his speech, Mohd Zuki, who is also chairman of Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), advised civil servants to think long and hard when faced with situations that challenge their integrity such as accepting bribes and in cases of corruption.

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"Always remember that even if no one sees what we are doing, Allah SWT is all-knowing.

"If we gain satisfaction from wrongful actions, there is actually no blessing in it and in the end it will have a negative impact on our lives. If it does not hit us, most probably it will affect our descendants," he said.

Mohd Zuki also said National Integrity Month is the manifestation of the government's commitment in cultivating integrity and governance not only in the public sector, but also in the corporate sector and society as a whole.

The theme of National Integrity Month this year is "Integriti Citra Malaysia Madani" (Integrity, the image of Malaysia Madani), which is in line with the concept of ​​Malaysia Madani as a framework for restoring the nation’s dignity through the development of ethical values and the morality of society. – Bernama