KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has welcomed Malaysia’s latest performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025, which saw the country score 52 points and rank 54th globally.
It ranked 57th in 2024.
The EAIC said achieving the government’s target of placing Malaysia among the top 25 countries by 2033 would require reform efforts that are credible and produce tangible impact, rather than decisions or agreements made solely at the policy level.
"As the oversight body for the integrity of enforcement agencies, the EAIC stresses that public perception of corruption must be reshaped to reflect the nation’s serious commitment to integrity, in line with the CPI improvement target.
"Perceptions and narratives surrounding corruption and misconduct should be viewed as acts of plunder against the nation, this requires every public servant to act swiftly and courageously to prevent wrongdoing from becoming entrenched," the commission said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 11).
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The EAIC said authorities and heads of department must be more open and willing to take firm action, even if such measures are unpopular.
"This includes implementing disciplinary recommendations and removing corrupt officers as decisive steps to uphold institutional integrity and accountability," it added.
The commission also welcomed the emphasis by Transparency International Malaysia on the need for detailed institutional and legislative reforms, including the establishment of an Ombudsman Malaysia.
"The proposed Ombudsman must be carefully planned and implemented without loopholes, be effective, and deliver real benefits that surpass those of existing agencies.
"As the lead of the Enforcement Focus Group under the CPI Special Task Force, we will continue to implement initiatives and mechanisms aimed at strengthening integrity and accountability within enforcement agencies," the EAIC said.
The commission expressed confidence that with a firm commitment to concrete action and strong governance, Malaysia is capable of achieving a top-25 CPI ranking and reinforcing public trust in the country’s integrity.
