Corruption Perceptions Index / Malaysia Anti-Corruption Plan / Thai university declarations

Corruption Perceptions Index 2018 (Resource).  More than two-thirds of countries score below 50 on this year’s CPI, with an average score of just 43. 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/cpi2018

 

PM launches Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Plan.  The National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023 (NACP) launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad seeks to deal with the country’s four main causes of corruption: administrative failure (the manipulation of systems and procedures), conflict of interest (relating to discretionary power, absolute power and political interference), weak internal control and non-compliance, and a lack of transparency.

Bernama: http://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?src=ilaw&id=1689930

 

University councillors escape asset declarations.  The Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission has decided to exempt university council chairs and members from having to declare their assets and liabilities, although an earlier version published in the Royal Gazette late last year required senior officials to do so.

King-oua Laohong/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1617898/university-councillors-escape-asset-declarations

Japanese company ex-chief / Indonesia traces assets / Hong Kong rail scandal

Macron tells Abe he is worried about Carlos Ghosn's time in prison.  The French president’s comment on the ex-Nissan chief’s detention since Ghosn was indicted for allegedly understating his income at Nissan and transferring personal trading losses to the carmaker.

The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/01/28/national/politics-diplomacy/macron-tells-abe-worried-carlos-ghosns-time-prison/#.XE6yfVwzaUk

 

Indonesia takes steps to trace stolen assets hidden abroad.  Indonesian President Joko Widodo has revealed that after several years of delay, Indonesia and Switzerland will soon ratify a Mutual Legal Assistance agreement which will make it possible to trace illegal financial activities between Indonesian and Swiss financial institutions.

Ahmad Novindri Aji Sukma/Asia Times: http://www.atimes.com/indonesia-takes-steps-to-trace-stolen-assets-hidden-abroad

 

Hong Kong’s Hung Hom station is safe and building must go on, award-winning engineer Mike Glover tells inquiry into scandal. An award-winning engineering expert has called on Hong Kong authorities to allow the expansion of Hung Hom station to continue despite a construction corruption scandal, telling an inquiry that the building is safe.

Cannix Yau/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/2182596/hong-kongs-hung-hom-station-safe-and-building-must-go-award

Integrity Pact myth / 1MDB companies probe / NepalLeaks expose reports

Powerful tool or paper tiger? Integrity Pacts reality checked – Part 1 (Blog).  “Claim #1: Having an Integrity Pact is a certification of a corruption-free procedure. Reality Check: Sadly not!”

Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/powerful-tool-or-paper-tiger-integrity-pacts-reality-checked-part-1-88da22db740d

 

Deloitte and KPMG investigated over involvement in Malaysia’s 1MDB corruption scandal.  The Malaysian Securities Commission confirms it is looking to the firms to determine if they were “aiding and abetting in this scandal, or merely negligent.”; this move comes after criminal charges have already been filed against Goldman Sachs.

Tashny Sukumaran/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2183715/abetting-scandal-or-merely-negligent-deloitte-and-kpmg

 

#NepalLeaks: How Illegal Funds Are Channeled Into Nepal In the Name Of Foreign Direct Investment.  An expose of massive operations in which business people funnel illegal income through tax haven countries and repatriate the wealth into Nepal as Foreign Direct Investment.

Centre for Investigative Journalism-Nepal/Kathmandu Tribune: https://kathmandutribune.com/nepalleaks-how-illegal-funds-are-channeled-into-nepal-in-the-name-of-foreign-direct-investment/

Corruption and taxes / Malaysia reporting protection / Indonesia presidential support

The effect of corruption perception on tax revenues (Op-ed).  “The effect that corruption perception can have on tax revenue collection is interesting, since citizens might find a moral ground to evade taxes.”

Meliha Ahmed/Dhaka Tribune: https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/2019/01/21/the-effect-of-corruption-perception-on-tax-revenues

 

Graft cases on the rise in Malaysia because people no longer fear reporting them: PM Mahathir.  Speaking on Malaysia’s experiences in fighting corruption at the International Anti-Corruption Academy, Dr Mahathir said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government is giving people who report corruption cases more protection under the whistleblowers act.

Asia News Network: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-corruption-cases-rise-mahathir-11151114

 

Hopes of ending graft lie in presidential support (Analysis).  “If the President can control corruption in the police and prosecutor’s office, KPK commissioners and its staff will not have to fear being criminalized when they investigate corruption among the political elite.”

J. Danang Widoyoko/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2019/01/25/hopes-of-ending-graft-lie-in-presidential-support.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (26 Jan 2019): Micronesia, Samoa, PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA:

Businessman charged with bribing Hawaii, FSM officials. A Hawaii businessman has been charged with dishing out bribes of nearly half a million dollars to officials in Hawaii and the Federated States of Micronesia.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380539/businessman-charged-with-bribing-hawaii-fsm-officials

Public Auditor hosts talent show for International Anti-Corruption Day.The Pohnpei Office of the State Public Auditor (POPA) united with the Youth-4-Change to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day at the Kolonia/China Friendship Gymnasium

http://www.kpress.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1194:public-auditor-hosts-talent-show-for-international-anti-corruption-day&catid=8&Itemid=103

 

SAMOA:

“What corruption?” Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi yesterday rejected allegations of corruption within the Government and the public service.

http://www.sobserver.ws/en/24_01_2019/local/40435/%E2%80%9CWhat-corruption%E2%80%9D.htm

Samoa MP Pa'u Sefo Pa'u dies.  He had been an MP twice before, but his terms were cut short by corruption charges.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380520/samoa-mp-pa-u-sefo-pa-u-dies

 

PNG:

In PNG, a fallen bridge is testament to the chasm in rural development.  On the southern bank of the Banab, local travelers waiting for the next transport to Madang town cite corruption throughout all levels of government as the main reason for the delays, a familiar narrative echoed in many of PNG’s rural areas.

https://news.mongabay.com/2019/01/in-png-a-fallen-bridge-is-testament-to-the-chasm-in-rural-development/

Labi to face court after fraud charges. Former Moresby North-East MP Labi Amaiu has been committed to appear in the National Court in Waigani on fraud related charges involving the Duran Farm Housing project in Port Moresby.

https://postcourier.com.pg/labi-face-court-fraud-charges/

 

FIJI:

Proposed Law ‘Keeps Our Leaders Accountable’.  Suva lawyer Richard Naidu says a code of conduct should be a good thing because it should keep our leaders accountable.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/01/20/proposed-law-keeps-our-leaders-accountable/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Solomon Islands province bans logging in bid to protect environment.  Central Island province in the Solomon Islands has blocked new logging and mining operations in an apparent attempt to halt the degradation of the archipelago’s sensitive ecosystems.

https://news.mongabay.com/2019/01/solomon-islands-province-bans-logging-in-bid-to-protect-environment/

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

Chinese business loss / Thai anti-corruption curriculum / Malaysia corruption reporting

Chinese drone maker DJI uncovers corruption, sees $150 million loss. China’s SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd, the world’s largest maker of consumer drones, has discovered several cases of serious corruption at the company and expects 2018 losses of more than 1 billion yuan ($150 million) as a result.

 Josh Horwitz and Brenda Goh/ Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-dji/chinese-drone-maker-dji-uncovers-corruption-sees-150-million-loss-idUSKCN1PC158

 

Putting a stamp on graft.  An anti-graft study programme at Thai universities lies at the kernel of "Youngsters with Good Hearts", an anti-corruption curriculum for students in tertiary education designed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission with the support of United Nations Development Programme.

Apiradee Treerutkuarkul/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1614002/

 

NGO: Detailed evidence more important than screen captures, photos in corruption cases.  People who report instances of abuse or corruption to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) observing the parliamentary by-election here need to furnish more details for verification than just a screen-capture or photograph, often forwarded from other social media users, with no details to back up allegations.

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/19/ngo-detailed-evidence-more-important-than-screen-captures-photos-in-corruption-cases/

Malaysia anti-graft plan / Philippines governor case / Pakistan monitoring system

An anti-graft plan that finally works?  With 115 initiatives, the National Anti-Corruption Plan(2019-2030) covers among others, political funding, interference in tender processes by all levels, including members of the Royal household, appointment of members of the Bench, giving parliament more punch, making enforcement bodies more accountable, the creation of ombudsmen and limiting the tenure of senior state and federal leaders.

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/21/an-antigraft-plan-that-finally-works-nacp-to-involve-all-stakeholders-from-the-very-top-to-even-scho/

 

Sandiganbayan refuses to junk graft case of Aurora governor.  The Sandiganbayan 6th Division refused to junk the graft case of Aurora Governor Gerardo Noveras who was charged by the Office of the Ombudsman last year for alleged irregularities in a road repair project in 2014.

Adrian Ayalin/ABS CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/21/19/sandiganbayan-refuses-to-junk-graft-case-of-aurora-governor

 

Corruption mother of all crimes: NAB Chairman.  Pakistan National Accountability Bureau Chairman Javed Iqbal said a monitoring system has been put in place to monitor the performance of NAB officers on regular basis as NAB strongly believes in self-accountability.

The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/421510-corruption-mother-of-all-crimes-nab-chairman

OGP agenda proposals / China Shaanxi official / Myanmar commerce ministry

Co-Create the 6th OGP Global Summit Agenda (Call for proposals).  The 6^th Open Government Partnership Global Summit to be held in Ottawa, Canada 29-31 May 2019 is now receiving ideas for topics, speakers and sessions until 6 February 2019.

Open Government Partnership: https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/co-create-6th-ogp-global-summit-agenda

 

China corruption watchdog’s big catch Zhao Zhengyong linked to string of scandals.  Anti-corruption enforcers in China have caught their highest ranking “tiger” – as crooked senior officials are known – so far this year, with the arrest of a former Communist Party chief in the scandal-ridden northwest province of Shaanxi.

William Zheng and Nectar Gan/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2182398/big-catch-china-corruption-watchdog-zhao-zhengyong-linked-string

 

Commerce Ministry Director General Dismissal Not Over Corruption.  Myanmar’s Deputy Commerce Minister U Aung Htoo clarified that the dismissal of a director-general from his ministry on the orders of President U Win Myint was not connected with corruption despite the rumors.

Htet Naing Zaw/ The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/commerce-ministry-director-general-dismissal-not-corruption.html

[Short Survey] AP-INTACT Network members feedback & ways forward

Dear AP-INTACT Network members,

We hope you all have had a great start to 2019, and that you are ready to kickstart a new year of fighting corruption in your respective roles.

We thank you for the pleasure of sharing news and resources with anti-corruption practitioners supporting the Asia-Pacific region over the years, and we are happy to continue facilitating this platform with your support in 2019 and the years to come.

It has been a long journey since the Asia-Pacific Integrity in Action (AP-INTACT) community of practice was founded, and the fight against corruption has continued to evolve thanks to all your efforts.

To ensure that what we share with this professional community remains helpful and relevant to your work, we would like to ask for your kind feedback and suggestions in a short, 2-minute survey below by Monday 28 January 2019:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q32XW6X  

 

Many thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and being a part of this community!

 

Kamolwan Panyasevanamit (Ling)

AP-INTACT Facilitator

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (19 Jan 2019): Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu, Nauru

Pacific links: “You’re my best friend”

https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pacific-links-you-re-my-best-friend

 

FIJI:

Prime Fiji ‘Has A Case To Answer’.  Magistrate Deepika Prakash has ruled that contractor Prime Fiji has a case to answer in the mat­ter brought by the Fiji Independ­ent Commission Cor­ruption (FICAC).

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/01/16/prime-fiji-has-a-case-to-answer/

Case of former Vodafone Fiji staff deferred to March. The Against former Vodafone employee is charged with two counts of bribery and one count of obtaining financial advantage

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/case-of-former-vodafone-fiji-staff-deferred-to-march/

Issues raised with Fiji Code of Conduct Bill. A proposed law in Fiji which would jail or fine people found making a malicious complaint about a public official is ridiculous and curious, a prominent Suva lawyer says.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380147/issues-raised-with-fiji-code-of-conduct-bill

 

PNG:

PNG failing to confront human rights issues – HRW. "We are seeing the pervasive problems of corruption, land confiscation without adequate compensation, gender based violence, police abuse, prison over-crowding - all of these are key challenges," Ms. Pearson said.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380359/png-failing-to-confront-human-rights-issues-hrw

Bougainville public servants called on to lift their game. It comes amid a Papua New Guinea Fraud Squad investigation into allegations of corruption and misappropriation by government workers.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/379959/bougainville-public-servants-called-on-to-lift-their-game

PNG super fund praises official after charges dropped. Papua New Guinea's national superannuation agency, NASFUND, says its chief investment officer was arrested for doing his job - enquiring into one of the companies it had invested in.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380153/png-super-fund-praises-official-after-charges-dropped

 

VANUATU:

Vanuatu committee to consider pardoning former MPs. Vanuatu's justice minister has set up a committee to consider pardoning former members of parliament.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380164/vanuatu-committee-to-consider-pardoning-former-mps

Vanuatu police warn about seasonal work scammers. Vanuatu's Police Fraud Unit has warned about scammers targeting seasonal workers, saying it has a number of registered cases related to this area.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380230/vanuatu-police-warn-about-seasonal-work-scammers

Air Vanuatu bringing in ID checks on domestic flights. A statement from Air Vanuatu confirmed that ID checks will be introduced due to a high incidence of identity fraud in past years.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380033/air-vanuatu-bringing-in-id-checks-on-domestic-flights

76% of people surveyed do not understand national budget.  76% of the people who were interviewed for the Citizens Budget Research Project spearheaded by Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV)said they do not know the national budget.

http://dailypost.vu/news/of-people-surveyed-do-not-understand-national-budget/article_7deb69c4-2b11-50d6-9ad9-228220812ed4.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

 

NAURU:

Nauru doctor wins global free speech award for speaking out on offshore immigration. A doctor on Nauru who blew the whistle on the deliberate medical neglect of refugees and asylum seekers on the island has been awarded a global award for free speech.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jan/17/nauru-doctor-wins-global-free-speech-award-for-speaking-out-on-offshore-immigration

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

SOE guideline comments / Nissan civil suit / Chinese ex-SOE chief

Public Consultation on the OECD Anti-Corruption and Integrity Guidelines for State-Owned Enterprises (Invitation to comment).  The draft text of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Guidelines is available for the public to provide direct comments to listed contact until 31 January 2019.

OECD:http://www.oecd.org/corporate/public-consultation-oecd-anti-corruption-integrity-guidelines-soes.htm

 

Nissan plans civil suit against Ghosn.  Nissan Motor Co. plans to file suit against former Chairman Carlos Ghosn to claim damages based on its in-house investigations which found several cases of Ghosn and his aides allegedly spending corporate funds for private purposes.

The Japan News: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005482505

 

Fugitive former Hainan SOE head turns himself in.  Wang Junwen, former head of state-owned enterprises in Hainan, has returned to the Chinese mainland to surrender himself to the authorities after fleeing to Hong Kong on charges of bribery, according to a statement released on the website of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

Global Times: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1135920.shtml

China intensifies efforts / Viet Nam asset recovery / Malaysia council member

China steps up anti-graft efforts.  China's top anti-graft watchdog will step up supervision efforts this year in larger departments and industries with more funding and resources, according to an official communique published after the 19th Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-steps-up-anti-graft-efforts

 

More than 1 billion USD retrieved from corruption, economic violations.  Viet Nam’s Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Police Department on Economic, Corruption-related Crimes and Smuggling retrieved nearly 27 trillion VND (1.16 billion USD) from corruption and economic violations in 2018.

Vietnam+: https://en.vietnamplus.vn/more-than-1-billion-usd-retrieved-from-corruption-economic-violations/144920.vnp

 

Umno lawmaker claims trial to 12 counts of graft and money laundering.  Umno supreme council member Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim claimed trial to three counts of graft amounting to RM5.2 million (US$1.3 million) over allegations that he helped a local company to obtain government contracts.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/umno-lawmaker-faces-12-counts-of-graft-and-money-laundering

China asset recovery / Anti-corruption practitioners' practices / Thailand transparency undermined

China's anti-corruption campaign recovers $519 million in a year.  More than 1,000 Chinese fugitives who fled abroad were returned to the country last year and more than $519 million in ill-gotten gains was recovered, the ruling Communist Party said, in what it is seen as a further victory in President Xi Jinping's years-long drive against corruption.

NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-s-anti-corruption-campaign-recovers-519-million-year-n957491

 

Do Anticorruption Advocates Practice What They Preach? (Blog).  Published procedures and other arrangements safeguard the organization and its staff, and to give the organization more credibility when criticizing the lack of transparency and accountability of others.

Alan Doig/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/01/10/guest-post-do-anticorruption-advocates-practice-what-they-preach/

 

Thaksin, Prawit allies in undermining transparency (Opinion).  “In comparing the two men, though, it is no overstatement to say they both did Thailand a disservice by undermining efforts, however weak thus far, to improve transparency in politics and the civil service.”

The Nation:http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30362095

India CBI chief / Myanmar land corruption / Japan Olympics probe

Dismissal of CBI chief undermines India’s war on corruption (Analysis).  In a major setback for the probity and independence of anti-corruption bodies in India, a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi sacked the chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Saikat Datta/Asia Times: http://www.atimes.com/article/cbi-chiefs-removal-undermines-indias-anti-corruption-efforts/

 

Anti-Corruption Commission Detains 4 Land Officials in Gwa Township.  The national Anti-Corruption Commission detained four local land-registration officials in Gwa Township, in southern Rakhine State’s Thandwe District, for allegedly taking bribes to facilitate land transactions.

Htet Naing Zaw/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/anti-corruption-commission-detains-4-land-officials-gwa-township.html

 

French investigation of IOC’s Takeda hangs over Tokyo Olympics.  “A distant relative of Japan’s royal family — the great grandson of the Meiji Emperor — [Tsunekazu] Takeda could join a growing list of suspended IOC members, and honorary members, who are linked to corruption probes.”

The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/01/13/national/crime-legal/french-investigation-iocs-takeda-hangs-tokyo-olympics/#.XDr2ylwzY2w

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (12 Jan 2019): PNG, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa

Pacific predictions: 2019. A number of Pacific island countries will hold national elections this year. The peoples of Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Tuvalu, and Marshall Islands will all go to the polls in 2019.

http://www.devpolicy.org/pacific-predictions-2019-20190107/

 

PNG:

TIPNG Oppose Incentives For Cops. Transparency International PNG is of the strong view that the police hierarchy needs to focus on the real issues affecting the force rather than paying incentives to its officers in Port Moresby.

https://postcourier.com.pg/tipng-oppose-incentives-cops/

Former CNN Heavyweight Encourages Local Media to Fight Corruption in 2019. A prominent media expert from the United States has encouraged Papua New Guinean journalists to be proactive and fearless in their fight against corruption this year.

https://postcourier.com.pg/former-cnn-heavyweight-encourages-local-media-fight-corruption-2019/

PNG MP not shocked by fraud squad cuts. Papua New Guinea opposition MP, Kerenga Kua, says the country's fraud squad will not be properly funded until Peter O'Neill is removed as prime minister.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/379803/png-mp-not-shocked-by-fraud-squad-cuts

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Former Solomon Islands premier arrested on corruption charges.  The former premier of the Solomon Islands province of Temotu has been arrested on corruption charges.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/379288/former-solomon-islands-premier-arrested-on-corruption-charges  

Why police arrested Temotu leaders. Police say three Temotu leaders arrested before Christmas improperly accepted inducements or payments for considerations or decisions in their official capacity.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21207-why-police-arrested-temotu-leaders

 

FIJI:

Experts to help in fraud probe. The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will rope in technical expertise to help in investigations pertaining to allegations over the Lagilagi Housing Project in Raiwaqa, Suva.

https://www.fijitimes.com/experts-to-help-in-fraud-probe/

Fraud suspect to take plea next month. A 27-year-old man charged with two counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception had his bail extended by the Suva Magistrates Court.

https://www.fijitimes.com/fraud-suspect-to-take-plea-next-month/

Bail denied for fraud suspects. Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa this afternoon did not grant bail to three people charged with separate counts of money laundering and fraudulent falsification of accounts amounting to $699,000 at the Suva Magistrate Court.

https://www.fijitimes.com/bail-denied-for-fraud-suspects/

 

SAMOA:

Fuimaono Afele Taimalelagi - Keeping the Government honest. “Controller and Auditor General, Fuimaono Mata’afa Papali’i Camillo G. Afele Taimalelagi, and his Office have made a big difference in an effort to keep the Government, accountable, transparent and honest.”

http://www.sobserver.ws/en/31_12_2018/local/39793/Fuimaono-Afele-Taimalelagi---Keeping-the-Government-honest.htm

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

KPK leaders bomb / Maldives ex-government investigation / Malaysia 1MDB rundown

Bombs found at Indonesian anti-graft commission leaders' houses.  Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leaders Agus Rahardjo and Laode Syarif were the target of terror threats, with unknown assailants placing what appeared to be bombs at their houses.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/bombs-found-at-indonesian-anti-graft-commission-leaders-houses

 

Maldivians asked to report on possible graft of prior gov’t.  The Maldives’ government has asked citizens to report information regarding allegations of corruption and abuse of power during the tenure of the strongman leader defeated in elections last year.

Bharatha Mallawarachi/The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/maldivians-asked-to-report-on-possible-graft-of-prior-govt/2019/01/09/1ddfd4b4-13da-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html?utm_term=.cb0159620919

 

The 1MDB heist was one of the largest kleptocracy scandals in history (Feature/Opinion).  Click below for a collection of highlights, fun facts and analyses about the case.

Aisha Hassan/Quartz Obsession: https://qz.com/emails/quartz-obsession/1519008/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=daily-brief

China denies involvement / Pakistan ex-district police / Nepal oil chief

1MDB scandal: China denies it offered to bail out Malaysian fund.  Beijing has rejected a Wall Street Journal report citing minutes of meetings between Chinese and Malaysian officials, which claimed they offered to bail out scandal-ridden Malaysian state fund 1MDB and try to get the US and other countries to drop corruption probes into the fund, in return for Belt and Road infrastructure contracts.

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/09/1mdb-scandal-china-denies-it-offered-to-bail-out-malaysian-fund

 

NAB arrests former Gujrat DPO over graft charges.
Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) made a key arrest of a former District Police Officer in a case related to alleged embezzlement of funds of the Gujrat Police Rs 550 million (US$4 mil)

Daily Times: https://dailytimes.com.pk/342129/nab-arrests-former-gujrat-dpo-over-graft-charges/

 

Graft case filed against former Nepal Oil Corporation chief Khadka.  Nepal’s Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CCIA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court against former Nepal Oil Corporation managing director Gopal Bahadur Khadka on the charge of amassing property worth Rs186.6 million illegally.

Prithvi Man Shrestha/Kathmandu Post: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-01-07/ciaa-files-corruption-case-against-noc-chief-khadka.html 

Philippine ex-councilor case / 2018 reading list / 1MDB Hollywood testimony

Sandiganbayan refuses to quash graft charge vs ex-Cebu councilor.  The Philippines anti-graft court has refused to quash the graft charge filed against former Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Abella Carillo in relation to the anomalous appointment of an administrative aide from 2013 to 2014.

Czarina Nicole Ong/Manila Bulletin: https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/07/sandiganbayan-refuses-to-quash-graft-charge-vs-ex-cebu-councilor/

 

2018: Five Great Reads on Corruption (Blog).  “Twenty eighteen produced many fine analyses of corruption and how to fight it.” Find out recommended titles in the link below.

Rick Messick/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/01/02/2018-five-great-reads-on-corruption/

 

Leonardo DiCaprio testifies in secret US probe into Malaysian corruption.  Mr DiCaprio is not a suspect in the Department of Justice inquiry, but was said to have had “useful insights” into the Malaysian financier Jho Low, alleged to have stolen billions of dollars from “1MDB”.

The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/05/leonardo-dicaprio-testifies-secret-us-probe-malaysian-corruption/

Indonesia corrupt contractor / India economic offender / Chinese fugitives returned

Corruption court issues historic guilty ruling against NKE.  In an unprecedented move, the Jakarta Corruption Court has declared publicly listed construction company PT Duta Graha Indah (DGI) – now PT Nusa Konstruksi Enjiniring (NKE) – guilty in a graft case involving several construction projects, including a state university hospital in Bali and the Jakabaring Athletes Village, upgraded for the 2018 Asian Games, in Palembang, South Sumatra.

Ivany Atina Arbi/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/01/04/corruption-court-issues-historic-guilty-ruling-against-nke.html

 

Mallya declared fugitive economic offender; hearing on confiscating properties on Feb 5.  Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya was declared a fugitive economic offender by a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, becoming the first person to be declared so under the new law.

ANI: https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/mallya-declared-fugitive-economic-offender-hearing-on-confiscating-properties-on-feb-5201901051720100001/

 

Nearly 5,000 fugitives netted in China's global anti-corruption manhunt.  China's global anti-corruption manhunt saw the return of 4,997 fugitives from more than 120 countries and regions between 2014 and Nov. 30, 2018, latest official figures showed.

Xinhua: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/06/c_137724114.htm

Nepal Airbus case / Philippines judicial clean-up / India fights sextortion

Nepal's minister, bureaucrats indicted by par committee of graft in Airbus deal.  Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal.

Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/nepal-s-minister-bureaucrats-indicted-by-par-committee-of-graft-in-airbus-deal-119010300784_1.html

 

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin orders purge of corrupt in judiciary.  The Chief Justice said he has set the anti-corruption campaign as one of the priorities in his one-year tenure in the top judicial post and vowed to “institutionalize changes that are designed to expedite the administration of justice.”

Edu Punay/The Philippine Star: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/02/1881617/chief-justice-lucas-bersamin-orders-purge-corrupt-judiciary

 

India’s Futile Attempt to Root Out Sextortion Through Anticorruption Legislation (Blog).  “…by implicitly treating sextortion as essentially the same as the extortion of monetary bribes, the Amendment will do little to combat sextortion as a form of corruption, and in fact is likely to do more harm than good.”

Victoriya Levina/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/01/04/indias-futile-attempt-to-root-out-sextortion-through-anticorruption-legislation/

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (5 Jan 2019): PNG, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji

When the world discovered the Pacific: 2018 politics review. 

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/378798/when-the-world-discovered-the-pacific-2018-politics-review

 

PNG:

APEC corruption allegations unlikely to amount to anything – Transparency.  Transparency International is doubtful anything concrete will come of corruption allegations against the Papua New Guinea government's excesses in hosting APEC last month.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/378796/apec-corruption-allegations-unlikely-to-amount-to-anything-transparency

Young political activist rises.  Hercules Jim is a youth leader and a spokesperson who advocates against corruption and fights for a free and fair Papua New Guinea where everyone will be seen and treated as equals. He is known by many in the country and the region.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/young-political-activist-rises/

 

KIRIBATI:

Victims' families of Kiribati ferry disaster mull legal action.  A Kiribati NGO representing families of the victims of the Butiraoi ferry disaster says it could launch legal action against the government.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/378914/victims-families-of-kiribati-ferry-disaster-mull-legal-action

 

SAMOA:

Govt. urged to develop whistle blower law.  The Public Service Commission has urged the Government to develop whistleblower legislation that was enacted in 2014. 

http://sobserver.ws/en/30_12_2018/local/39759/Govt-urged-to-develop-whistle-blower-law.htm

Samoan Govt. could lose E.U. funding if tax woes not addressed. The Delegation of the European Union (E.U.) warned Samoa could lose out on funding if it still exists in the blacklist of “non-cooperative tax jurisdictions”. 

http://www.sobserver.ws/en/22_12_2018/local/39597/Samoan-Govt-could-lose-EU-funding-if-tax-woes-not-addressed.htm

 

FIJI:

Fiji opposition leader Rabuka says court’s election petition decision 'deeply disappointing'.  Fiji's opposition parties have issued a statement explaining why they withdrew an election petition in the Court of Disputed Returns.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/378794/fiji-opposition-leader-rabuka-says-court-s-election-petition-decision-deeply-disappointing

Probe on alleged corruption completed. Internal investigations on alleged corrupt practices over the Lagilagi Housing Project have been completed.

https://www.fijitimes.com/probe-on-alleged-corruption-completed/

$4 Million Thief Katia Gets 23 Years. Viliame Katia will spend 23 years in jail for corrupt-related offences, following a judgement made by High Court judge Justice Salesi Temo.

http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/12/29/4-million-thief-katia-gets-23-years/

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

Malaysia PM wish / China 2018 report / Pakistan PM's challenges

Mahathir's New Year wish: Wipe out corruption.  The Malaysian PM says making country 'clean' is very important mission for his government, as the previous government collapsed due to corruption and abuse of power.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathirs-new-year-wish-wipe-out-corruption

 

No let-up for corrupt ‘tigers’ in 2018 as China’s graft-busters claim more big scalps.  “…while there seems to have been no let-up in the campaign, the year’s tally does not indicate the party watchdog and prosecutors went after more senior scalps in 2018 – many of the cases prosecuted were the result of lengthy investigations carried out over previous years.”

William Zheng/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2180294/no-let-corrupt-tigers-2018-chinas-graft-busters-claim-more-big

 

Challenges galore for Imran (Editorial).  “Fight against corruption and corrupt politicians, hardline religious groups, dwindling economy and a face-off with United States President Donald Trump on the issue of war against terrorism were some of the major issues facing [Pakistan PM] Imran, who rolled up his sleeves to put up a brave face and tackle them head-on.”

Ashfaq Ahmed/Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/challenges-galore-for-imran-1.61161262

Malaysia ex-Cabinet aide / Thailand impeachment drive / Philippines mayor jailed

Former special aide of ex-Cabinet minister jailed, fined for graft.  ZailanJauhari, a former special officer to a Malaysian ex-Cabinet minister was sentenced to two years' jail and fined RM400,000 (US$96,300), in default a year's jail, by the Sessions Court here for corruption involving RM80,000 (US$19,250).

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/12/27/former-special-aide-of-ex-cabinet-minister-jailed-fined-for-graft/

 

Fury over watch scandal ruling prompts impeachment drive.  Srisuwan Janya, an activist said he would collect 20,000 signatures to bring an independent impeachment action against the five members of the Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission who voted that Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy prime minister,did nothing wrong by failing to declare 22 ultra-luxury watches.

Pravit Rojanaphruk/Khaosod English: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2018/12/28/fury-over-watch-scandal-ruling-prompts-recall-drive/

 

Ex-Bukidnon mayor gets 10 years for graft.  Stewart Leonardo, a former mayor of Quezon town in Bukidnon will be spending up to 10 years in prison for using public funds to purchase construction equipment for his personal use.

Elizabeth Marcelo/Phil Star:https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/12/30/1880835/ex-bukidnon-mayor-gets-10-years-graft

Japanese foreign bribery / China lifetime jail / Mongolians protest government

Ex-M'bishi Hitachi execs admit to bribing Thai official.  Former executives of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Inc admitted on Tuesday to allegations of bribing a Thai public servant over a power plant project at their trial in a case under Japan's first plea bargain deal.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1600674/ex-mbishi-hitachi-execs-admit-to-bribing-thai-official

 

China's ex deputy intelligence chief jailed for life over graft.  A Chinese court has jailed for life Ma Jian, a former high-ranking intelligence official, for taking bribes, coercive business deals and insider trading.

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/12/china-deputy-intelligence-chief-jailed-life-graft-181227084531250.html

 

Mongolia: Thousands protest corruption in Ulaanbaatar.  Organizers estimated nearly 25,000 Mongolians have taken to the streets to protest against corruption in the top echelons of politics, including parliamentary speaker and others accused of selling government positions, braving temperatures that dropped below minus 20 degrees Celsius in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/12/mongolia-thousands-protest-corruption-ulaanbaatar-181227115515987.html