Latest news with #IndonesiaCorruptionEradicationCommission
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.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Azam Baki urges strong oversight and public accountability for effective anti-corruption efforts
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said it was not enough for anti-corruption bodies to be free from interference if they were not worthy of the people's confidence. He said Malaysia's experience showed that institutional independence must go hand in hand with strong oversight and public accountability. Azam also said that Malaysia's adoption of Article 36 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which calls for independent anti-corruption bodies, was guided by the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies. 'At MACC, we have embraced these principles not only in form but in substance. Our framework of five independent oversight committees ensures that MACC remains answerable to the public while protecting our operational independence,' he said in his speech at the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling Jakarta Statement here today. Also present were Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief commissioner Setyo Budianto and representatives from Austria, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor Leste, Mongolia, and Hong Kong. Azam also called on governments to guarantee institutional autonomy, civil society to serve as partners in accountability, and the private sector to uphold ethical practices. 'This conference is not merely an academic exercise, it is a call for collective action; for governments to guarantee institutional autonomy free from political interference; for civil society to serve as vigilant partners in accountability; for the private sector to uphold ethical practices and reject corruption; and for regional bodies to build resilient frameworks for collaboration and knowledge-sharing,' he stressed. Azam emphasised that the Jakarta Statement was not just a set of ideals but a roadmap for action, and anti-corruption efforts must be institutionalised, professionalised, and shielded from politicisation to achieve lasting success. He said MACC was committed to advancing legislative reforms to strengthen institutional safeguards, capacity-building initiatives to equip officers with future-ready skills, and enhanced regional and international cooperation to dismantle corruption networks. He also said the MACC will adopt digital innovation, including artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, to uncover hidden financial crimes. Azam added that the MACC would also continue to uphold the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, embedding integrity, accountability, and social justice at the heart of governance.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Azam Baki urges strong oversight and public accountability
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said it was not enough for anti-corruption bodies to be free from interference if they were not worthy of the people's confidence. He said Malaysia's experience showed that institutional independence must go hand in hand with strong oversight and public accountability. Azam also said that Malaysia's adoption of Article 36 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which calls for independent anti-corruption bodies, was guided by the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies. 'At MACC, we have embraced these principles not only in form but in substance. Our framework of five independent oversight committees ensures that MACC remains answerable to the public while protecting our operational independence,' he said in his speech at the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling Jakarta Statement here today. Also present were Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief commissioner Setyo Budianto and representatives from Austria, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor Leste, Mongolia, and Hong Kong. Azam also called on governments to guarantee institutional autonomy, civil society to serve as partners in accountability, and the private sector to uphold ethical practices. 'This conference is not merely an academic exercise, it is a call for collective action; for governments to guarantee institutional autonomy free from political interference; for civil society to serve as vigilant partners in accountability; for the private sector to uphold ethical practices and reject corruption; and for regional bodies to build resilient frameworks for collaboration and knowledge-sharing,' he stressed. Azam emphasised that the Jakarta Statement was not just a set of ideals but a roadmap for action, and anti-corruption efforts must be institutionalised, professionalised, and shielded from politicisation to achieve lasting success. He said MACC was committed to advancing legislative reforms to strengthen institutional safeguards, capacity-building initiatives to equip officers with future-ready skills, and enhanced regional and international cooperation to dismantle corruption networks. He also said the MACC will adopt digital innovation, including artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, to uncover hidden financial crimes. Azam added that the MACC would also continue to uphold the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, embedding integrity, accountability, and social justice at the heart of governance.
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Azam: Autonomy coupled with accountability vital for anti-graft agencies
PUTRAJAYA: Operational autonomy must be coupled with accountability to earn and maintain public trust for anti-corruption bodies. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said it was not enough for anti-corruption bodies to be free from interference if they were not worthy of the people's confidence. Azam said Malaysia's experience showed that institutional independence must be accompanied by strong oversight and public accountability. He said Malaysia's adoption of Article 36 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which calls for independent anti-corruption bodies, was guided by the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies. "At MACC, we have embraced these principles not only in form but in substance too. Our framework of five independent oversight committees ensures that MACC remains answerable to the public while protecting our operational independence," he said in his speech at the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling Jakarta Statement. Also present were Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission Chief Commissioner Setyo Budianto and representatives from Austria, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor Leste, Mongolia, and Hong Kong. Azam also called on governments to guarantee institutional autonomy, civil society to serve as partners in accountability, and the private sector to uphold ethical practices. "This conference is not merely an academic exercise, it is a call for collective action: for governments to guarantee institutional autonomy free from political interference; for civil society to serve as vigilant partners in accountability; for the private sector to uphold ethical practices and reject corruption; and for regional bodies to build resilient frameworks for collaboration and knowledge-sharing," he said. Azam said the Jakarta Statement was not just a set of ideals but a roadmap for action, and anti-corruption efforts must be institutionalised, professionalised, and shielded from politicisation to achieve lasting success. He said MACC was committed to advancing legislative reforms to strengthen institutional safeguards, capacity-building initiatives to equip officers with future-ready skills, and enhanced regional and international cooperation to dismantle corruption networks. He also said the MACC will adopt digital innovation, including artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, to uncover hidden financial crimes. Azam added that the MACC would continue to uphold the spirit of Malaysia Madani, embedding integrity, accountability, and social justice at the heart of governance.
