Malaysia, IACA Exploring Strategic Collaborations - MACC

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) are exploring strategic collaborations, including plans to host the IACA Regional Summer Academy in Kuala Lumpur in 2025, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

MACC in a statement here today said the matter was discussed between the Malaysian delegation and the Dean of IACA, Professor Slagjana Taseva during the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, held from Nov 26 to 27 in Doha, Qatar.

The Malaysian delegation was led by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, accompanied by MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who headed the delegation at the Senior Officials Meeting on Nov 26.

According to MACC, the meeting reflects the significant role and trust placed in Malaysia, evident through the appointment of Azalina as President of the IACA Assembly of Parties (AoP) and the reappointment of Azam as a member of the IACA Board of Governors (BoG) for the 2024-2027 term, recently.

“Malaysia’s participation and commitment to anti-corruption efforts reaffirm the nation's resolve to work with OIC member states to strengthen the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity at the international level,” it said.

The meeting, jointly organised by OIC and Qatar's Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), aimed to strengthen collaboration among OIC member states in combating corruption.

During the meeting, Azalina reiterated Malaysia's commitment to fighting corruption, highlighted through the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028 (NACS). 

Azalina also shared Malaysia's progress in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which saw the country improve to the 57th position out of 180 nations last year.

Additionally, MACC said Malaysia announced measures to enhance transparency and governance, including the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act, and proposals for Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPA) to address corporate corruption cases.   

Malaysia was also among the first countries to sign the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention, a cooperative anti-corruption agreement that facilitates information exchange, expertise sharing, and capacity building among OIC member states. 

This agreement aligns with Malaysia's commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).   

-- BERNAMA