'CPI achievement reflects strong political will, governance reforms'

 

Malaysia’s improvement in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, moving up from 57th place in 2024 to 54th, reflects positive progress driven largely by strong political commitment and continuous governance reforms.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said that although rankings may fluctuate, the focus should remain on steadily improving the country’s overall score.

“Last year, we scored 50 out of 100. This year we achieved 52. That’s a two-point improvement based on nine surveys. It is a good achievement, but we still have a long way to go.

“If we can push the score to 56 next year, that would be another four-point increase. For me, I’m looking at the score, not so much at the ranking,” he said during a special media interview today.

According to the CPI 2025 released by Transparency International yesterday, Malaysia’s score rose by two points to 52, up from 50 in the 2024 assessment.

Malaysia ranked third among Asean countries, behind Singapore and Brunei, maintaining its relative position within Southeast Asia while outperforming several regional peers.

Azam said reforms implemented by the government, particularly in strengthening good governance and attracting foreign investment, have contributed to the improved CPI performance.

“Our prime minister been running here and there, meeting all the heads of state and promoting our country. He has convinced investors to come here. As a result, our ringgit has strengthened, and investment approvals have increased. So this is a good sign,” he said.

Formulating strategies

Azam said the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, a nationwide plan aimed at strengthening integrity across government institutions and restoring public trust in the country’s administration, remains a living document guiding reforms and governance improvements.

Azam said a special focus group and task force, chaired by the chief secretary to the government, with himself as co-chair, is formulating strategies to enhance Malaysia’s CPI performance.

MACC will also intensify engagement sessions with organisations involved in conducting CPI-related surveys to better communicate enforcement actions and reform outcomes.

Moving forward, Azam said sustained political will, particularly from the nation’s top leadership, is crucial for Malaysia to improve its CPI score.

“This is from my observation. If the leader is not good, does not have a clear agenda, especially in fighting corruption, and does not want to carry out reforms, the index will remain there or will drop.

“So, for the CPI to improve in the future, there must be political will. There must be important and critical reforms for the good of the country, especially those involving integrity and good governance,” he said.

- Bernama