PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been elected president of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), marking the first time Malaysia has held the presidency of this global anti-corruption body.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, hailed the unanimous election of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) at IACA’s 13th Assembly of Parties in Vienna on Wednesday (Oct 30) as a historic milestone that reinforces the nation’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
The ministry expressed gratitude for IACA’s trust and support for Azalina, noting that it affirmed international recognition of the Madani government’s dedication to combating corruption and acknowledged its personal confidence in Azalina’s leadership in law reforms and governance.
"Malaysia remains committed to working closely with the IACA and its strategic partners to advance the anti-corruption agenda and uphold the principles of good governance and justice worldwide," it said.
The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department, in a statement, said the appointment was proof of the Madani government's efforts to battle corruption on a global scale.
It added that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had been re-elected to the IACA board of directors for the 2024-2027 term.
"IACA's recognition of Malaysia today complements various anti-corruption initiatives that have been implemented and are ongoing, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, which aims to combat corruption and promote integrity, transparency, and accountability across various sectors," the statement read.
The division also said that as part of her working visit to Vienna, Azalina also held meetings with the director-general of the United Nations Office in Vienna and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)executive director Ghada Fathi Waly to exchange views and strengthen cooperation.
Azalina also visited the IACA premises and met with its dean Prof Slagjana Taseva.
Since its establishment in 2011 in Austria, the IACA has served as a global centre of excellence for research and a training hub focused on professionals, particularly from anti-corruption agencies.
Malaysia, through the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, plays an active role in the IACA and has held the vice-president’s position of the Assembly on four occasions. – Bernama
