The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revealed that the nation lost a staggering RM277 billion due to corrupt practices over the past five years (2018-2023). This translates to an average loss of RM55 billion per year, a figure that could have significantly benefited the Malaysian public.
Tan Sri Azam Baki, the MACC chief commissioner, explained that these losses were calculated by considering the cumulative estimate of the gross domestic product (GDP) from 2018 until the previous year.
During his speech at the launch event of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Tan Sri Azam Baki emphasized the significant impact of these losses.
“This substantial amount could have been utilised to help the public in various ways, particularly in executing social projects such as hospital and school repairs. Regrettably, these funds have been depleted due to corrupt practices,” he said.
The NACS was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
The MACC chief commissioner also stressed the importance of ensuring that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) achieves tangible results by employing diverse approaches and methodologies. He emphasized the necessity of identifying areas particularly vulnerable to the latest forms of corruption within the country.
He highlighted that the NACS charts a vital course aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability across sectors in Malaysia. These encompass politics, public administration, government procurement, law enforcement, legal and judicial institutions, the private sector, and the broader public.
“It comprises five main strategies and 60 sub-strategies that will be implemented over a five-year period, starting from this year until 2028.
Tan Sri Azam Baki also announced Malaysia’s ambitious target of breaking into the top 25 of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) rankings within the next decade.
This goal signifies a significant leap forward, considering Malaysia’s recent progress. Malaysia achieved its best CPI ranking in 20 years in 2023, climbing from 61st place in 2018 to 51st. The NACS serves as a roadmap to propel this country even further in the fight against corruption and transparency.
Meanwhile, the NACS booklet distributed at the event highlighted the potentially devastating impact of the RM277 billion leakage on the country.
“To put this figure into perspective, the RM277 billion losses equate to 28 years of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, or nearly match the combined GDPs of Johor and Penang. The ongoing leakages within ministries, government departments, government-linked companies, and statutory bodies demand immediate rectification,” the booklet emphasized.
Source: here
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