ACA Updates

 

Anti-corruption Agencies in Asia-Pacific discuss the Role of Society

Date
19 July 2017
Posted by

 

 

 

The 8th meeting of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) Forum was hosted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) from May 24th to 25th, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting was opened with the keynote speech by Honorable Datuk Dzulkifli bin Ahmad, Chief Commissioner of the MACC. It was attended by six anti-corruption agencies, consisting of four member agencies including the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of Indonesia, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of Korea, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) of Singapore, and two observer agencies, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Brunei Darussalam and the Agency Against Corruption (AAC) of Taiwan.

 

Recent activities and achievements of each agency were shared through the agency presentations. The MACC presented on the compliance and monitoring mechanism in pursuit of a corrupt-free organization through the placement of certified integrity officers with operating the ¡°Integrity Unit¡±. The KPK Indonesia introduced their experience on fighting against corruption especially in the field of natural resources. The ACRC Korea presented the progress of their newly enacted ¡°Improper Solicitation and Graft Act¡±. And the CPBI Singapore mentioned that Singapore ranked at 7th in the TI 2016 and 1st in Asia by the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC). They also introduced the ¡°Singapore Standard (SS) ISO 37001 on Anti-Bribery management system¡± which was launched on April 2017.

 

The two observer agencies also shared their recent activities and achievement. The ACB Brunei Darussalam introduced the organizational structure and system to carry out the mandates of the Prevention of Corruption Act. In accordance to it, they pointed out that prosecution of corruption cases are conducted by the Deputy Public Prosecutor from the Attorney General¡¯s Chambers. The AAC Taiwan showed their recent activities on ¡°Food Safety and Integrity Platform¡± to control and manage ingredients supplier to guarantee food safety. To boost the conviction rate, they amended the ¡°Integrity Code of Ethics for Civil Servants¡± and established the ¡°Resident Prosecutor Mechanism¡±.

 

The 8th ACA Forum invited guest speakers from civil society and international organization to learn from their experiences and discuss more in-depth on the role of society towards the fight against corruption and building integrity.

 

Mr. Tunku Abdul Aziz bin Tunku Ibrahim, Chairman of Anti-Corruption Advisory Board of the MACC reiterated the importance of civil society¡¯s participation in preventing corruption. He stressed that government should show the public more impeccable credentials for example through the number of arrests and prosecutions on corruption. Mr. Sang-hak Lee, Standing Board Member of Transparency International Korea introduced 2005 KPACT which urges active actions of political, business and public sector as well as civil societies. Dr. Anga Timilsina, Programme Manager of UNDP¡¯s Global Anti-Corruption Initiative (GAIN) Bureau for Policy and Programme Support introduced the case studies of New Zealand, Denmark and other few countries as the proofs of importance in accomplishing corruption-free society. He also indicated some lessons learned from the UNDP¡¯s work on social engagement.

 

The meeting was finalized with the conclusion that the ACA Forum will continue to take the lead in making efforts to strengthen cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies. The next meeting will take place in 2019, and the host agency will be determined in near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • print
  • top