Latest news with #Anti-Corruption
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Metro earns fourth ISO certification with anti-bribery accreditation
Abdul Aziz (centre) witnessing the presentation of the ISO 37001:2016 certificate to Mazli (second right) by Shahrizan, as SEDC group corporate services division chief Rakayah Hamdan (left) and SEDC group investment chief Zainnurain Othman look on KUCHING (May 21): Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd has strengthened its reputation for integrity and transparency by earning the International Organisation for Standards (ISO) certification for its Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS). This latest achievement marks the company's fourth ISO accreditation in just two years. In a press release, Sarawak Metro said the ISO 37001:2016 ABMS certificate was formally presented to its chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa by Sirim Sarawak regional director Shahrizan Mohammad Sahmoni during Sarawak Economic Development Corporation's (SEDC) Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption Reinforcement Module Course held here on Monday. SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain, who also serves as chairman of Sarawak Metro, witnessed the presentation. In his remarks, Abdul Aziz highlighted that the accreditation reflects the organisation's dedication to strengthening integrity and transparency in its operations. 'This is in line with the values that SEDC has instilled in all of its subsidiary companies,' he stated, while commending Sarawak Metro's perseverance in overcoming challenges throughout the certification process. 'May this recognition be an inspiration and guide for all the other SEDC subsidiaries to achieve continuous excellence,' he said, while pointing out that Sarawak Metro's success in attaining the ABMS certification was the result of the organisation's planned and phased implementation throughout 2024. Aside from strengthening integrity and transparency, through the ISO 37001:2016 ABMS certification, Sarawak Metro also aimed to enhance good governance throughout the entire organisation. The consultancy and development process for the ISO 37001:2016 commenced in August 2023 and was completed at the end of last year. Meanwhile, in early 2023, Sarawak Metro simultaneously attained three internationally recognised standards – ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System; ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System; and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Anti-Bribery Management System ISO accreditation lead Sarawak Metro
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Pretoria High Court officials suspended amid fraud and corruption probe
Three officials from the Pretoria High Court have been placed on precautionary suspension following allegations of fraud and corruption. This is according to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). 'The three officials, who cannot be named at this time, are suspects in an ongoing investigation by the South African Police Service's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), looking into fraudulent and corrupt activities in the court. 'The OCJ takes a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption, and the officials were therefore placed on precautionary suspension to allow investigations to proceed without being compromised,' the OCJ said in a statement. News of the suspensions comes days after Chief Justice Mandisa Maya visited the Mthatha High Court in the Eastern Cape, following reports that officials at the court are allegedly involved in a bribery scheme. The scheme reportedly involves soliciting payments from advocates to perform tasks already within the scope of their jobs, including locating missing files, transcriptions, and allocating trial dates. An internal and criminal investigation by SAPS has also been launched in this regard. At the time, the OCJ said it had become aware of the allegations in December 2024. 'Subsequently, the OCJ instituted a forensic investigation in line with the organisation's Fraud Prevention and Anti-Corruption Policy while working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies. 'Accordingly, the department took a prudent approach to releasing specific details on its ongoing investigation to the media so as not to jeopardise any future legal processes or further investigations that may ensue. 'The OCJ reiterates that it is dependent on all stakeholders in the fight against fraud and corruption, including the media, to act in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the processing of legitimate complaints,' the office said. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Eight Southeast Asian nations endorse Putrajaya declaration to strengthen anti-corruption efforts
PUTRAJAYA: Anti-corruption agencies and related organisations across Southeast Asia today adopted the Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Agencies, reaffirming their collective commitment to combating corruption and promoting good governance, sustainable development, and societal well-being. Endorsed by eight countries, the declaration was issued following a gathering in Putrajaya, highlighting the agencies' shared dedication to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly Articles 6 and 36, which emphasises the establishment of independent anti-corruption bodies with adequate resources and autonomy. The eight countries are Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Cambodia. The declaration was read by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief commissioner Setyo Budianto. The declaration acknowledges the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies as a guiding document to ensure the effectiveness and impartiality of such bodies. The agencies further stressed the importance of independence in ensuring accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law. The participating organisations recognised that developing and maintaining effective anti-corruption institutions is a complex task that requires sustained effort, cooperation and strong commitment. They also emphasised the significant role of non-state actors -- including civil society, the private sector, media and academia -- in supporting the fight against corruption. In the declaration, the agencies expressed strong support for the establishment and strengthening of independent anti-corruption agencies in all jurisdictions, recognising them as vital to preventing and tackling corruption effectively. They pledged to take collective action to build and sustain these institutions, committing to work together, share experiences, and extend mutual support in overcoming related challenges. The agencies also welcomed the participation of other relevant stakeholders in these efforts. The declaration underlined the importance of information sharing as a key component of anti-corruption work. The agencies committed to enhancing cooperation in the exchange of information, including with the private sector, while respecting respective legal frameworks, to facilitate effective investigations and prosecutions. They also agreed to share best practices in the development and operations of anti-corruption bodies, including investigative techniques, prevention strategies, asset recovery mechanisms, and measures to uphold transparency and accountability. The signatories further pledged to foster a culture of integrity through advocacy, engagement and constructive dialogue, working in partnership with governments, international bodies, civil society, the private sector, the media and academia. The declaration encouraged the continuation of research and education on anti-corruption by national and international organisations. The agencies welcomed methodologies to measure the effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies, including those developed by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other partners. All agencies were invited to take part in such research and education initiatives to further strengthen their effectiveness. In closing, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the implementation of UNCAC and the principles outlined in the Jakarta Statement and its Colombo Commentary, both within their respective jurisdictions and across the region.
Barnama
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Eight Southeast Asian Nations Endorse Putrajaya Declaration To Strengthen Anti-corruption Efforts
PUTRAJAYA, April 29 (Bernama) -- Anti-corruption agencies and related organisations across Southeast Asia today adopted the Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Agencies, reaffirming their collective commitment to combating corruption and promoting good governance, sustainable development, and societal well-being. Endorsed by eight countries, the declaration was issued following a gathering in Putrajaya, highlighting the agencies' shared dedication to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly Articles 6 and 36, which emphasises the establishment of independent anti-corruption bodies with adequate resources and autonomy. The eight countries are Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Cambodia. The declaration was read by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief commissioner Setyo Budianto. The declaration acknowledges the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies as a guiding document to ensure the effectiveness and impartiality of such bodies. The agencies further stressed the importance of independence in ensuring accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law. The participating organisations recognised that developing and maintaining effective anti-corruption institutions is a complex task that requires sustained effort, cooperation and strong commitment. They also emphasised the significant role of non-state actors -- including civil society, the private sector, media and academia -- in supporting the fight against corruption. In the declaration, the agencies expressed strong support for the establishment and strengthening of independent anti-corruption agencies in all jurisdictions, recognising them as vital to preventing and tackling corruption effectively. They pledged to take collective action to build and sustain these institutions, committing to work together, share experiences, and extend mutual support in overcoming related challenges. The agencies also welcomed the participation of other relevant stakeholders in these efforts.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Man tricks family into smuggling drug
The FIA Composite Circle team conducted a raid and nabbed the leader of an organised gang involved in using innocent citizens for drug smuggling under the guise of free Umrah. The accused, Israrullah, was arrested from Mochi Gate, Lahore. He, along with his accomplices, sent a family of five to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas. The accused deceived the affected family by offering them a free Umrah trip and handed them a bag to take to Saudi Arabia, in which crystal meth (Ice) was secretly hidden. Upon checking the bag, Saudi authorities found the drugs, leading to the arrest of the entire family. The accused has been taken into custody, and investigations have begun. Raids are ongoing to nab other individuals involved in the crime. Meanwhile, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been formed in the case of apprehended Corporation Officer (CO) Mujeeb Shami by the Anti-Corruption Department. Director of Anti-Corruption, Faisalabad Region, Kanwar Khalid, has constituted the JIT for the case. The investigation team includes Assistant Director of Anti-Corruption Sarfraz Warraich, ADI Toba Tek Singh Asif Shah, Circle Officer Jhang Inspector Akhtar Saeed, and CO Faisalabad Imran. The JIT will investigate irregularities in Urban I, Urban II, and the Registry Branch of the Corporation from 2018 to 2022. Initial inquiries have uncovered corruption amounting to Rs. 7.1 million. The arrested CO is currently in jail, while his arrest in case number 30/24 is still pending. Separately, police have registered cases against the police station in-charge who tampered with a file of a bogus check case regarding a private employee who pretended to be a police employee. According to the police report, the case filed by the In-charge Investigation Police Station Millat Town Muhammad Saleem has taken the stand that Sub-Inspector Habib-ur-Rehman showed negligence in his duties by tampering with the file of case number 1092/24 Crime 489F. On this, the Millat Town police registered a case against the SI Rehman under Section 155C-180 of the Police Order 2002 and started searching for him. The ASP Peoples Colony Fazlur Rehman Safi, who came on a surprise visit at the police station saw a private employee Shahid son of Iqbal, sitting in the interrogation room. ASI questioned him, and he told that he was a police employee, on which the ASP took him into custody and registered a case against him under Section 419 of the IPC for impersonating a government employee.
