Malaysia to present two initiatives to tackle global corruption

VIENNA: Malaysia is set to table two initiatives in its bid to tackle global corruption in a more comprehensive and effective manner.

The two initiatives are expected to be outlined by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he delivers his keynote address at the 10th General Conference and Annual Meeting of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) here on Tuesday.

National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) director-general Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, said the two initiatives are the establishment of a fund to protect staff of anti-corruption agencies, as well as having IAACA play a larger and more universal role.

He said it is time that the IAACA is given a more important role in supporting anti-corruption practitioners, whom he said have become victims due to their actions in carrying out their duties.

“It is time for the IAACA to play a bigger role, much like Interpol and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which are more structured and active, in tackling corruption,” he told the Malaysian media here on Sunday.

Abu Kassim, who is also IAACA vice-president, said the initiatives and ideas were in line with Malaysia’s position as a founding member of the association, which now has 77 member states.

He said the establishment of a fund to help graft-busters worldwide is crucial given the challenges they face.

“In this context, the prime minister has agreed to the establishment of an International Anti Corruption Champions Fund. This fund is meant to help anti-corruption officers around the world who have become victims in the course of their enforcement and prosecution of corruption.

“For example, we have seen prosecutors murdered and officers threatened, including in Malaysia.

“Enforcement officers in Indonesia were splashed with acid and a former attorney-general sacked.

“The latest case involved that of a former IAACA Academy graduate, who was sacked after returning to his country. We (IAACA) have since offered him a teaching role in the association.

“We realise that it is time those who fight corruption are given adequate protection by an international association,” he said.

Abu Kassim, when asked, said the assistance would come in the form of financial support. On those who were sacked and lost their income, he said IAACA would work with other training institutions to appoint them to relevant positions.

He said the framework of the funding would be discussed at a meeting of the executive committee on Jan 21. He said it could also possibly be raised during the IAACA General Assembly, where Dr Mahathir will be delivering his keynote address.

“This requires a more specific discussion involving all member states. We will hold firm to the principle of non-intervention on issues and problems of other countries.

“We also want to ensure that those who have become victims are adequately protected or aided so that they can perform their duties without fear or favour.

On Dr Mahathir’s presence at the conference, Abu Kassim said it was a meaningful one as his keynote address will reflect the situation in Malaysia, which had evolved from being enveloped in worry to one with hope.

Source: NST