Budget 2023: Combating corruption is a collective effort, not just PM’s, says Transparency International


PETALING JAYA: Combating corruption must be a collective effort of all law enforcement agencies and cannot be left to the Prime Minister alone, says Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M).

Its president Dr Muhammad Mohan said they welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement during the tabling of the 2023 Budget.

Anwar had said that all government agencies including the Inland Revenue Board, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and Police Force are actively investigating corruption cases including the names connected to the Pandora Papers.

He also said that the LHDN would continue to investigate extraordinary wealth in a bid to fight corruption crimes before it is allowed to fester.

"Congratulations to the Prime Minister for making this announcement that these agencies are investigating corruption and the Pandora papers.

"We have to fight corruption but he cannot do this alone," he said when contacted on Friday (Feb 24).

He added that all enforcement agencies must investigate and arrest the corrupt and have them charged.

"Malaysians must rise up and speak up strongly against corruption.

"The announcement that the Whistleblower Protection Act will be amended this year to give greater protection to whistleblowers is commendable as well," he said, adding that the tabling of the Public Procurement Act this year was also timely.

The Pandora Papers refers to an investigation report released in October 2021 by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in which over 11.9 million confidential financial documents were leaked from 14 financial services companies worldwide.

The leak exposed the secret offshore accounts of world leaders, including current and former presidents, prime ministers, heads of state, billionaires, celebrities, and business leaders, with two Malaysians among the 336 global politicians alleged in the report.

On Oct 25, 2021, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that a federal investigation into the papers would be launched.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Severe continuous rain warning for Sabah, Labuan lifted
Missing fishermen found safe near Acheh waters
Early schooling aid extended to Form Six students
G25: Khalwat offenders are not criminals, public whipping violates Federal Constitution, Syariah courts
Businessman loses RM800,000 in bogus investment scheme
Ministry not taking lightly resignation of over 6,000 doctors over past five years, says Dr Dzul
Sandakan senior citizen medically evacuated due to serious eye injuries
Child killed, three hurt after four on a motorcycle collides with lorry
Strong winds damage structures in Semporna
Malaysians harassed at Jakarta music fest, 18 Indonesia cops nabbed

Others Also Read