THE Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report for 2023 ranked Malaysia as the 57th least corrupt nation out of 180 countries.
This suggests that, despite occasional uproars, Malaysia is perceived to have relatively lower levels of corruption compared to many other countries worldwide.
However, it’s important to note that the CPI is based on perceptions of corruption and may not always directly reflect the actual levels of corruption within a country.
According to the report, Malaysia’s Corruption Rank averaged 46.38 from 1995 until 2023, reaching an all-time high of 62.00 in 2017 and a record low of 23.00 in 1995.
For those unfamiliar, Transparency International is a global movement working in over 100 countries to combat corruption.
The CPI is the most widely used global corruption ranking, measuring how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be by experts and businesspeople.
Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden are consistently perceived as the least corrupt nations in the world, ranking high in international financial transparency. On the other hand, Syria, South Sudan, and Venezuela are perceived as the most corrupt, scoring 13, while Somalia scores 11.
In the United States News’ 2023 Best Countries rankings, Russia is perceived as the world’s most corrupt country. The analysis is based on a survey of more than 17,000 people worldwide, assessing perceptions of 87 countries using 73 different attributes.
Based on the 2023 CPI, Malaysia has somewhat improved its global corruption perception ranking compared to the previous year, scoring 50 points compared to 47 points. This three-point increase helped Malaysia climb to the 57th position last year, up from 61st in 2022.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has set an ambitious national CPI target of being in the top 25 in the global ranking by 2033.
Whether this target will be achieved remains to be seen. However, we all have a role to play in ensuring its attainability, as it would contribute to creating a better and more transparent Malaysia.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razaruddin Husain recently acknowledged that low salaries serve as a contributing factor to corruption, especially among police officers and personnel in Malaysia.
He stated, “I acknowledge that salary is one of the factors. I take this as an indicator: a constable whose salary, including an allowance, totals RM2,500 living in Kuala Lumpur is categorised as urban poor, but if he lives in Kuala Nerang (Kedah), Besut (Terengganu), Kinabatangan (Sabah), or Beluran (Sabah), his salary is a lot; that’s one of the factors to be looked at.
“Compared to Singapore, where there is no corruption despite lower wages because it (Singapore) is a small country, we (Malaysia) have 137,000 police personnel, and the number will increase this year with the entry of another 4,000 officers and personnel.”
Razaruddin also highlighted individual attitudes as a contributing factor, citing numerous cases where individuals with higher incomes, including company directors, have been apprehended for corruption.
This acknowledgement confirms the complexity of the issue, emphasizing the need to address not only economic factors such as low salaries but also individual behaviours and ethical considerations, regardless of income levels.
I wholeheartedly agree with the IGP on the significance of low salaries within the police force as a pivotal factor in the battle against corruption.
This dual recognition of both individual attitudes and financial conditions stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to effectively address corruption.
By tackling these intertwined issues, we can foster a more robust and resilient system in the ongoing fight against corruption in Malaysia.
You may wonder why law enforcement officers receive so much attention in the fight against corruption.
The reason is simple. They are the guardians of justice, entrusted with enforcing the law, maintaining peace, and investigating crimes.
When they carry out their duties with integrity, it sets the tone for a fair and accountable society.
Law enforcement officers symbolise the face of authority and the legitimacy of our legal system. When they operate ethically and with trustworthiness, it builds public confidence. Conversely, if corruption exists among them, it undermines trust in our institutions like a ripple effect.
Addressing corruption in law enforcement is not just about holding individuals accountable; it serves as a deterrent. By ensuring that those responsible face the consequences, we send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.
Additionally, corruption within the police force can disrupt the entire criminal justice system, leading to unfair trials and enabling criminals to escape punishment.
While it may seem like law enforcement receives disproportionate attention, it is not because they are the only ones who matter. They play a key role in upholding justice, and maintaining that role without corruption is crucial for a society that values fairness and accountability.
Keep in mind that law enforcement personnel, like any other professionals, have financial needs and responsibilities.
Insufficient salaries can create vulnerabilities that corrupt individuals may exploit.
It is important to ensure that law enforcement officers are adequately compensated for their work to reduce the risk of corruption.
Addressing corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only addressing economic factors like low salaries but also implementing measures to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour across all sectors of society.
This includes strengthening anti-corruption laws, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, promoting a culture of integrity, and fostering public participation in the fight against corruption.
Efforts to combat corruption should involve collaboration between government institutions, civil society organisations, and the public.
It is crucial to establish effective whistleblower protection mechanisms, encourage reporting of corruption, and provide support for those who come forward with information.
Additionally, promoting transparency in government processes, such as public procurement and financial transactions, can help reduce opportunities for corruption.
Implementing effective checks and balances, conducting regular audits, and ensuring accountability for those in positions of power are also vital in the fight against corruption.
Education and awareness campaigns are essential in promoting a culture of integrity and ethics from an early age.
By instilling values of honesty, transparency, and accountability in schools and communities, we can shape a future generation that rejects corruption and upholds ethical standards.
Overall, addressing corruption requires a comprehensive and sustained effort from all sectors of society.
While Malaysia has made progress in improving its corruption perception ranking, there is still work to be done to achieve the desired levels of transparency and accountability.
By addressing the root causes of corruption, implementing effective anti-corruption measures, and fostering a culture of integrity, Malaysia can continue to make strides in combating corruption and creating a more just and equitable society.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
