MITI Urged To Step Up Anti-Corruption Engagement With Business Community

PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has been urged to intensify engagement with the business community and investors to gather feedback on corruption-related issues that could impact Malaysia’s business and investment prospects.

This reform strategy was among key priorities identified during the meeting of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abdul Bakar here today.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Task Force said the engagement sessions should also involve the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH).

Other priority reform strategies identified by the CPI Focus Group include fostering a culture of integrity and adopting technology to combat corruption, with local authorities (PBT) being positioned as role models for other municipal councils.

“The CPI Special Task Force, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, remains fully committed to strengthening governance and anti-corruption efforts through a whole-of-government approach.

“The Task Force expressed hope that the strategic initiatives it is implementing will positively influence Malaysia’s performance in future CPI rankings and bolster public and investor confidence in the nation’s governance system,” the statement read.

It also noted that Malaysia’s performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 showed significant improvement, climbing 11 spots from 34th in 2024 to 23rd this year.

“The Bribery and Corruption indicator, which improved by 12 positions, also contributed to the overall rise in Malaysia’s competitiveness ranking,” the statement added.

The meeting today was attended by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and members of the CPI Special Task Force.

It was previously reported that the CPI Special Task Force was established to identify and recommend strategies to enhance Malaysia’s CPI score and global ranking.

This aligns with the national target of positioning Malaysia among the top 25 countries globally in the CPI within the next decade, as outlined in the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan.

-- BERNAMA