CPI Achievement Not Just A Ranking, But A Positive Indicator Of Anti-Corruption Reform

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- The rise of Malaysia’s ranking by three spots in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) should not be viewed merely as a numerical success; instead, it must be translated into systemic reforms that genuinely reduce the space and opportunity for corruption.

While taking pride in this achievement, anti-corruption efforts must continue to be intensified and provide a tangible impact on the people through structural improvements in governance and more effective enforcement.

According to the President of Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW), Jais Abdul Karim, the increase is a positive boost for the national integrity agenda, but it should not be used as an excuse to become complacent or slow the momentum of reform.

He said that Malaysia's journey toward integrity reform requires consistent political commitment and institutional courage to implement comprehensive reforms free from interference.

“The action of bringing several large-scale and high-profile corruption cases to court likely contributed to the rise in international perception, particularly regarding the country's readiness to take legal action regardless of the status of the individuals involved.

“However, prosecution alone is not enough. Positive perception will only remain and increase if followed by fair and consistent convictions, an independent and transparent judicial process, the reform of enforcement institutions, and effective corruption prevention at the policy and systemic levels,” he told Bernama.

Malaysia's position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) improved from 57th place in 2024 to 54th place last year, according to the CPI 2025 report released by Transparency International (TI) today.

According to the report, Malaysia ranks third among ASEAN countries, after Singapore and Brunei. Furthermore, the country's score for last year rose to 52 points, compared to 50 in the 2024 assessment, showing a moderate but encouraging upward trend.

Commenting further, Jais said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is a strategic national institution that must be defended, empowered, and protected from excessive political polemics that could jeopardise public confidence and enforcement effectiveness.

In this regard, he said MCW holds the view that proposals to establish a new committee to monitor the MACC should be viewed objectively and based on the reality of existing structures, rather than being founded on the perception that the MACC has failed or is non-functional.

“The MACC already has a comprehensive check-and-balance mechanism, including the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, the Special Committee on Corruption (JKMR), the Complaints Committee (JKA), as well as operations and prevention panels that function according to legal and administrative frameworks.

“Criticism of enforcement institutions must be constructive, evidence-based, and not used as a tool to divert attention from investigations or narrow political agendas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ilham Centre Research Fellow Mujibu Abd Muis said the jump in Malaysia's CPI 2025 ranking is seen as a positive early indicator of the country's governance direction, but it cannot yet be considered a major success or a comprehensive structural change.

“CPI measures perception, not absolute reality; thus, this increase reflects the relative confidence of the international community toward Malaysia's governance direction rather than proof that the problem of corruption has been fully eradicated,” he said.

He added that while the increase shows institutional improvement efforts and clearer political pressure toward the reform agenda, Malaysia's position - which remains in the global middle ground - reflects a persistent trust deficit toward the country's anti-corruption system.

Commenting on whether the CPI jump was driven by bringing high-profile corruption cases to court, Mujibu said the impact is symbolic but does not absolutely determine the index evaluation.

“Prosecuting major corruption cases provides a strong symbolic impact on international perception because it shows political willingness to allow the legal process to proceed, including against high-profile individuals.

“If prosecutions are seen as selective, seasonal, or not followed by systemic reforms such as the separation of prosecutorial and executive powers, the impact on the CPI is usually temporary.

“Therefore, this jump is more accurately understood as a combination of high-profile prosecutions, a change in government narrative, and pressure from civil society,” he said.

-- BERNAMA