Zuki: More can be done improve M'sia's ranking on perception index

KUALA LUMPUR: According to Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, there is still more to be done in order to improve Malaysia’s ranking on the global perception index. The Chief Secretary to the Government stated that the country’s position on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) could be further improved, including by accelerating the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which replaced the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023.

“Our ranking on the CPI 2023 shows that the country is improving in terms of its legal system and judicial legislation. This is due to the success of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney General’s Chambers with regard to investigations into high-profile cases, supported by the commitment and professionalism of the civil service,” Zuki said in his speech at the 10th Certified Integrity Officers (CeIO) Convocation.

At the same event, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, deputy chief commissioner (management and professionalism) Datuk Junipah Wandi and Malaysia Anti-Corruption Academy director Datuk Idris Zaharudin were also present. A total of 481 participants from ministries, departments and statutory bodies as well as government-linked companies and the private sector received their scrolls at the ceremony.

“As mentioned by the Prime Minister on several occasions, he is happy about the contributions of our enforcement bodies and agencies, especially the MACC, police and Attorney-General’s Chambers. Nevertheless, he wants us to keep striving for improvement despite our recent ranking on the CPI. This includes expediting the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy,” said Mohd Zuki.

It was announced last month that Malaysia had improved its global CPI ranking in 2023 by scoring 50 points, up from 47 points the previous year. The increase helped Malaysia climb to 57th position from the 61st in 2022.