RTI law assessment / Cambodia laundering watchlist / China church corruption

Methodology for Assessing Right to Information Implementation in Pakistan (Resource).  “…until recently, no established methodology for measuring how well RTI laws are being implemented was available, either in Pakistan or internationally. This Methodology seeks to fill that gap by providing a structured tool for assessing the quality of implementation of an RTI law”

Centre for Law and Democracy: https://www.law-democracy.org/live/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Methodology.19-02-18.pdf

 

Cambodia put on money-laundering watchlist in move that may curtail foreign investment.  Cambodia inclusion on a “grey list” drawn up by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) could curtail international financial, investment and trade flows to and from the South-east Asian country.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cambodia-to-be-put-on-money-laundering-watchlist-in-move-that-may-curtail-foreign

 

Transfer of priests highlight corruption in China Church (Opinion).  “Bishops given too much power to decide who goes where, meaning new postings can be a reward or punishment.”

Father John Lo/UCANews: https://www.ucanews.com/news/transfers-of-priests-highlight-corruption-in-china-church/84570

Extractive industries transparency / Viet Nam former ministers / Youth against corruption

Can transparency make extractive industries more accountable? (Opinion).  “Campaigns like Publish What You Pay and Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative have done a huge amount to gain greater transparency of revenues. Now they – and the donors who support them – can also do more help to convert information to action, support mobilisation from below, and help shape the larger political incentives that can give teeth to voice.”

John Gaventa/Institute of Development Studies: https://www.ids.ac.uk/opinions/can-transparency-make-extractive-industries-more-accountable/

 

Vietnam arrests former ministers for corruption.  Two former communications ministers (Truong Minh Tuan and Nguyen Bac Son) were arrested in Vietnam for mismanaging public funds over their alleged roles overseeing the purchase of a loss-making TV firm that would have cost the state millions of dollars.

The Phnom Penh Post: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/international/vietnam-arrests-former-ministers-corruption

 

How young people are turning the tide against corruption.  A new generation of change-makers is putting anti-corruption and accountability firmly at the centre of their understanding of global leadership across business, politics, media and civil society.

Blair Glencorse and Friday Odeh/World Economic Forum:https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/02/how-young-people-are-turning-the-tide-against-corruption/

India regulatory cost / Thailand military budget / Afghanistan integrity hackathon

Regulatory Cost Weighs on India's CEOs as Modi Fights Corruption.  Companies operating in India see regulatory compliance as the biggest cost overrun in the next two years, a sign that Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s efforts to curb corruption may be clashing with his plans to improve ease of doing business in Asia’s third-largest economy.

Upmanyu Trivedi/Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-20/regulatory-cost-weighs-on-india-s-ceos-as-modi-fights-graft

 

Military jumps the gun (Editorial).  With key political parties vowing to downsize the military and defence spending as part of their campaign policies, the junta this week has tried to safeguard its interests by claiming transparency in its budget proposals and citing possible adverse effects if the country lacks an adequate defence.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1633090/military-jumps-the-gun

 

Using Tech to Combat Corruption in Afghanistan.  In partnership with Blockchain Learning Group, UNDP Afghanistan brought together over 100 technology enthusiasts and socially conscious young people for a citizen-centered ‘Hack4Integrity’ hackathon in Kabul to design prototypes for technology-based solutions to combat corruption in the country.

UNDP Afghanistan: http://www.af.undp.org/presscenter/pressreleases/2019/Hack4Integrity.html?fbclid=IwAR2pMG8w4Cr60hwfFtw71z4pgwE7Xvk4U3rKGhQGspeJFQJNJKAYZEkWB2E

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (23 February 2019): Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands

Pacific group aims to strengthen reporting on corruption.  A new anti-corruption regional media group which includes UNPRAC consultant on its committee, hopes to strengthen checks and balances around good governance in the Pacific by training journalists about their rights and tools for corruption reporting.

http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=13242399835c6a17074ef923d210d0

 

FIJI:

Magistrate Transfers Water Authority Cases To High Court.  The case which involved processing false payments and forged documents was initially charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and now transferred to the High Court.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/02/21/magistrate-transfers-water-authority-cases-to-high-court/

 

PNG:

Former PNG official warns Paladin scandal undermining corruption fight in Pacific.  A former Papua New Guinea official has warned the scandal revolving around Paladin, a little-known and inexperienced security firm, was handed the $423m Manus Island contract through a limited tender process with no other bidders, is undermining Australia’s efforts to stamp out corruption in the Pacific nation.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/21/former-png-official-warns-paladin-scandal-undermining-corruption-fight-in-pacific

Australian government security contractor Paladin breaks silence on corruption allegations. The firm said it is seeking legal advice about media articles it said had “failed to identify any evidence to sustain the damaging allegations being made against Paladin”.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/feb/21/australian-government-security-contractor-paladin-breaks-silence-on-corruption-allegations

 

SAMOA:

“We’re trying to avoid a corrupt election” – P.M.  Corruption and illegal practices during the election is the main reason the Government moved to amend the electoral laws to allow people in the villages to monitor the voters roll to determine the registered voters in an effort to avoid the practice of business owners running for public office and registering their employees in their constituencies to vote for them.

http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/18_02_2019/local/41282/%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re-trying-to-avoid-a-corrupt-election%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-PM.htm

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

TSI slams ‘vote buying’ plot.  Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is urging East Kwaio Constituency in Malaita Province to stop from the intention not to cast their votes in the 2019 national general election unless they are paid with cash, following the revelation in a publication is a wake-up call for every constituency to stop selling their votes because it is wrong to vote for candidate that will help you personally, or help your family.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21387-tsi-slams-vote-buying-plot

Call for removal of Solomons caretaker minister of mines.  The Island Sun reports Aoke MP Langalanga Matthew Wale calling for Bradley Tovosia's removal after accusations he granted prospecting licenses to a foreign company in return overseas trips.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/382823/call-for-removal-of-solomons-caretaker-minister-of-mines

 

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

TRACE e-Gov portal / Chinese ex-military sentenced / Iran anti-laundering law

TRACE e-Gov Portal (Resource).  As the only global e-government directory, the Portal makes these resources easily available to companies doing business worldwide and promotes governments’ efforts to streamline the provision of administrative services over the internet. Colleagues working on procurement reform, citizen feedback, etc. may find this portal useful.

TRACE International: https://egov.traceinternational.org/

 

China's former military chief of staff jailed for life for corruption.  Fang Fenghui, who was appointed to the top post in People’s Liberation Army in 2012, was convicted of accepting and offering bribes, and having an unclear source of a huge amount of assets; the military court sentenced him to life in prison, stripped him of political rights for life and ordered the confiscation of all his personal assets to be turned over to the state treasury.

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/20/chinas-former-military-chief-of-staff-jailed-for-life-for-corruption

 

Iran's new anti-money-laundering law actually legalizes money laundering (Opinion).  The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh inked a pact as the two neighbours agreed to step up cooperation in the fight against graft, in addition to another MoU on training of Bangladesh’s bureaucrats at the National Centre for Good Governance.

Toby Dershowitz and Saeed Ghasseminejad/Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/new-iran-anti-money-laundering-law-actually-legalizes-money-laundering-2019-2

Bangladesh corporate governance / Singaporean Keppel officer / Philippines budget ministry

Poor corporate governance chokes foreign investment.  Poor corporate governance and a lack of quality manpower are major barriers to foreign investment in Bangladesh, analysts said at an International Finance Corporate seminar in Dhaka.

The Daily Star: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/poor-corporate-governance-chokes-foreign-investment-1704682

 

Ex-exec admits taking over $740k in bribes.  A former Keppel Shipyard senior procurement officer has admitted to taking more than $740,000 in bribes from 2007 to 2014, and pleaded guilty to 26 corruption charges.

Shaffiq Alkhatib/The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/ex-exec-admits-taking-over-740k-in-bribes

 

Palace defends DBM amid corruption allegations.  The Philippines presidential office defended the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from allegations that the government owes several private contractors billions of pesos because of corruption – pointing toward the weak claim of links between unsettled obligations and corruption.

Alexis Romero/The Philippine Star: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/19/1894903/palace-defends-dbm-amid-corruption-allegations

Singapore corporate governance / India procurement controversy / Philippines DepEd purchases

Singapore forms advocacy body to level up corporate governance standards.  The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the establishment of the Corporate Governance Advisory Committee (CGAC), whose role is to "level up corporate governance standards and practices and help to strengthen investors’ confidence in (Singapore's) capital markets and uphold (the country’s) reputation as a trusted international financial centre".

Michelle Quah/The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-forms-advocacy-body-to-level-up-corporate-governance-standards

 

CAG points to several irregularities in Dassault’s Rafale bid during UPA.  The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s report concluded that Rafale’s makers, Dassault Aviation, did not fulfill request for proposal (RFP) requirements at the stage of the technical evaluation committee with respect to air staff qualitative requirements, warranty clause and an option clause which meant the vendor should have been rejected.

The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cag-points-to-several-irregularities-in-dassaults-rafale-bid-during-upa/articleshow/68001172.cms

 

COA wants probe into DepEd Western Visayas' P68-M supplies purchase.  The Philippines Commission on Audit (COA) wants the Office of the Ombudsman to probe alleged irregularities in the purchase of educational materials done by the Department of Education (DepEd) Western Visayas office in 2005, whereby the vendor claims to not have been paid US$1.30 mil.

Rappler.com: https://www.rappler.com/nation/223380-commission-audit-wants-probe-deped-western-visayas-supplies-purchase

Singapore anti-laundering law / Bangladesh RTI law / Nepal anti-graft official

Parliament: Law to tackle money laundering passed.  Dealers in precious stones and metals will have to register with the Law Ministry and carry out stricter checks on clients under new laws passed in Parliament, through a fully digital registration process.

Zaihan Mohamed Yusof/The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/law-to-tackle-money-laundering-passed

 

Government's 'zero-tolerance policy' against corruption (Opinion).  “The difference between RTI and anti-corruption laws is that the former is enforced by citizens and the latter by the government. In fact, RTI is the only law in the country that citizens can use vis-a-vis public authority. Every citizen can, therefore, be a watchman for good governance.”

Shamsul Bari and Ruhi Naz/The Daily Star: https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/news/governments-zero-tolerance-policy-against-corruption-1702171

 

Anti-graft official’s bribe case exposes how corruption thrives.  In an unprecedented case of corruption, a commissioner at the apex anti-graft agency has been accused of receiving bribe, and reports that the incident was in the knowledge of the political leadership have once again made it evident how pervasive corruption is in Nepal.

Prithvi Man Shrestha/The Kathmandu Post: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-02-17/anti-graft-officials-bribe-case-exposes-how-corruption-thrives.html

Thank you to Narayan Manandhar for sharing this article.

Maldives ministers suspended / Thai airport risk / Nepali graft song

Maldives president suspends ministers as corruption scandal spreads.  Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih suspended two government ministers over financial transactions conducted with a company implicated in a $90 million corruption scandal related to islands lease deals.

Mohamed Junayd/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-maldives-corruption/maldives-president-suspends-ministers-as-corruption-scandal-spreads-idUSKCN1Q40SE

 

ACT flags airport graft risk.  The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) has warned of the potential for foul play during the upcoming auction of Suvarnabhumi Airport's duty-free concession and the planned construction of a Terminal 2, due the lack of transparency, as the country counts down to the election.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1630574/act-flags-airport-graft-risk

 

Nepali singer pulls corruption song from YouTube after threats.  A popular Nepali folk singer says he removed a satirical song called "Lutna Sake Lut, Nepal Mai Chha Chhut" (loot whatever you can, since that's allowed only in Nepal) from YouTube after the youth wing of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) allegedly threatened him, local media reported.

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/nepali-singer-pulls-corruption-song-youtube-threats-190218083248187.html

Thank you to Narayan Manandhar for sharing this article.

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (16 February 2019): Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Group eyes trading votes for cash. A group of voters in Ward 17 in East Kwaio Constituency, Malaita Province said they will not cast their votes in the April 3 national general election, unless they are paid with cash.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21381-no-cash-no-vote

 

Solomon Islands MP Mua trial adjourned. He is accused of diverting $3 million (US$376,000) shipping grant intended to purchase a ship for his constituency in 2013.

http://pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=8284804375c53cab0afbe1dca7b3d1

 

Money the focus of Solomons elections Transparency. Transparency Solomon Islands says MPs should not have direct control over funds for their constituencies.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/382306/money-the-focus-of-solomons-elections-transparency

 

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA:

Bribery case against FSM airport official details cash, cars and trips. Federated States of Micronesia government official who allegedly received bribes from a contractor who sought to secure engineering and project management contracts from the FSM government.

https://www.postguam.com/news/local/fsm-airport-official-arrested-in-bribery-case/article_c36fd35a-2f07-11e9-ae1f-871a77d22d46.html

 

SAMOA:

American Samoa, Guam, Samoa added to EU blacklist, Vanuatu removed. The European Commission added Saudi Arabia, Panama, U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam and Samoa to a blacklist of nations it considers a threat because of lax controls on terrorism financing and money laundering, the EU executive said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-saudi-moneylaundering/eu-adds-saudi-arabia-to-dirty-money-blacklist-upsets-uk-us-idUSKCN1Q215X

 

Man who threw pig’s head at Samoa PM escapes punishment.  Mr. Pauga told Newsline his action was a protest against corruption in the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/382307/man-who-threw-pig-s-head-at-samoa-pm-escapes-punishment

 

VANUATU:

Vanuatu's new Labour chief says she won't tolerate corruption. She told the Daily Post her officers are there to help people, and any conducting themselves in an improper manner will face disciplinary measures.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/382092/vanuatu-s-new-labour-chief-says-she-won-t-tolerate-corruption

 

 

FIJI

Aquaheat South Pacific Ltd signs corporate integrity pledge. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption had its first Corporate Integrity Pledge signing.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/aquaheat-south-pacific-ltd-signs-corporate-integrity-pledge/

 

Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit receives and analyses 650 suspicious transaction reports. The Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit received and analyzed 650 suspicious transaction reports and disseminated 448 intelligence reports to law enforcement agencies for further investigation of possible tax evasion, money laundering and other serious offences in 2017.

http://fijivillage.com/news/Fiji-Financial-Intelligence-Unit-receives-and-analyses-650-suspicious-transaction-reports-s9rk52/

 

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

Myanmar business ethics / Malaysia submarine probe / India-Bangladesh anti-graft cooperation

Govt asks companies to tighten anti-graft measures.  Myanmar ACC lays down “fundamental principles for businesses to develop a strong code of ethics and establish appropriate internal controls to prevent corruption.” - similar to the eight principles adopted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand which includes bribery risks assessment, accurate books and accounting records and setting up “trustworthy reporting mechanisms to report suspect behaviour”.

Thompson Chau/The Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/govt-asks-companies-tighten-anti-graft-measures.html

 

French lawyer in Malaysia to aid in submarine graft probe.  Mr. William Bourdon, who represents local human rights group Suaram over the French submarine deal, was deported from Malaysia on his last visit in 2011 when Najib's scandal-mired regime was still in power; now he is set to aid officials’ investigation into the submarine deal scandal.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/french-lawyer-in-malaysia-to-aid-submarine-graft-probe

 

CBI inks MoU with anti-graft body of Bangladesh.  The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh inked a pact as the two neighbours agreed to step up cooperation in the fight against graft, in addition to another MoU on training of Bangladesh’s bureaucrats at the National Centre for Good Governance.

Anirban Bhaumik/Deccan Herald:https://www.deccanherald.com/national/cbi-inks-mou-anti-graft-body-717422.html

[Member Survey highlights] AP-INTACT network members feedback highlights

A warm thank you to all AP-INTACT Network members who had taken the time to provide us with your feedback through the quick survey circulated earlier.

We are happy to share with you the highlights of the responses below:

4.29/5 stars satisfaction rate

 

Approximately 43% say they prefer to receive our updates every day, while about 30% prefer to read them just a few times a week.  Therefore, we will keep up with the daily updates, but for maximum reach of resources and highlights, these will be in our Monday, Wednesday and Friday circulations.

 

Members are most interested in anti-corruption instruments, government-related news, and notable investigations including asset recovery & money laundering (preference popularity in this order).  Additional suggestions also include judicial integrity, linkages with environment and human right issues, as well as news about intergovernmental cooperation. An effort will also be made to monitor more of the developments in South Asia.

 

Lastly, while over 90% of the respondents are happy to continue receiving updates via emails as we do now, please remember that all members are encouraged to share stories and resources by emailing ap-intact@groups.undp.org or tagging @APINTACTNetwork on Twitter.

 

 

Warm regards,

Kamolwan Panyasevanamit (Ling)

AP-INTACT Facilitator

Indonesia subnational corruption / Hong Kong construction recruitment / Huawei foreign bribery

Corruption down, but incompetence remains problem: ICW.  Despite the decrease, however, Indonesia Corruption Watch researchers noted that incompetence among lower-level local leaders was a worrisome fact that explained the rampant level of corruption at the subnational level.

The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/02/09/corruption-down-but-incompetence-remains-problem-icw.html

 

The unscrupulous recruiters charging Hong Kong builders HK$500 a day to get them a job.  Grace Yee Hin-lai, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) chief investigator, said the most common cases involved recruiters asking workers for a regular “referral fee” or “tea money” after the workers had been hired. Some victims, earning about HK$1,100 a day, had to hand over more than a third to a middleman.

Christy Leung/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/2185574/unscrupulous-recruiters-charging-hong-kong-builders

 

Huawei Global Business Model Relied on Bribes and Corruption.  In the last 12 years, Huawei and its smaller Chinese rival ZTE have been “investigated or found guilty of corruption” ranging from outright bribery to making illegal political donations in as many as 21 countries, according to Andy Keiser, a former House Intelligence Committee professional staffer.

Masood Fariwar/VOA: https://www.voanews.com/a/huawei-alleged-corruption-and-bribery/4781242.html

Further CPI analysis / India anti-graft timing / Nepal corruption stats

Some Good News and Bad News About Transparency International's Interpretation of its Latest Corruption Perceptions Index (Blog).  "Admittedly, it isn't really about the CPI—it could have been written as a standalone document, frankly—but it's still useful and insightful, and the care and caution with respect to drawing bold conclusions from the limited quantitative data is something TI would do well to emulate in its other materials."

Matthew Stephenson/The Global Anticorruption Blog:  https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/02/07/some-good-news-and-bad-news-about-transparency-internationals-interpretation-of-its-latest-corruption-perceptions-index/

 

The BJP has got its timing on corruption all wrong, writes Barkha Dutt (Opinion).  "When case files that have only been gathering dust are suddenly taken out, the BJP's weapon of attack gets blunted."

Barkha Dutt/Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/the-bjp-has-got-its-timing-on-corruption-all-wrong/story-oqzIj0kf7Oip8x432mEtaJ.html

 

'Corruption rampant in public offices'.  A total of 32.4 per cent of respondents of a survey by Nepal's by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority attributed rising corruption to political backing, 27.9 per cent (poverty and lack of education and awareness), 21.8 per cent (lack of transparency), 18.9 per cent (ineffectiveness of corruption control agencies), 13.7 per cent (low salary and high market price), 11.8 per cent (social tolerance to corruption), 10.2 per cent (no encouragement and respect to honest persons) and 18.5 per cent (all of the above reasons).

The Himalayan Times: https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/corruption-rampant-in-public-offices/

India political risk / Effective corruption battles / Malaysia circular leaked

If political risk of using CBI, ED is so high, why would BJP do it? (Opinion).  “The answer is two-fold: A signal of authoritarian control, to scare off opponents…It wants to shift the onus back onto the idea that it is the incorruptible party amongst the corrupt.”

Pratap Bhanu Mehta/The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/politics-of-anti-corruption-5574581/

 

Battle corruption more effectively (Editorial).  Asia News Network papers commend recent efforts to tackle corruption, and call for more. Here are excerpts from Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/battle-corruption-more-effectively

 

Hanafiah questions how graft cases circular was leaked.  Malaysia’s Solicitor General III Datuk Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria has questioned how an internal email circular instructing the Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPP) to object to the postponement of several high profile corruption cases was leaked.

The Star:https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/11/hanafiah-questions-how-graft-cases-circular-was-leaked/

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (9 February 2019): PNG, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa

UN-PRAC Newsletter – stories from June-December 2018.  Highlights include Anti-Corruption Excellence award for PNG Phones against Corruption, private sector engagement against infrastructure sector corruption, media training on corruption reporting, International Anti-Corruption Day, and integrity education curricula advocacy.

https://issuu.com/effective.governance17/docs/un-prac_newsletter_-_jan_2019

 

PNG:

Law students learn to fight corruption with TIPNG. Three law students from the University of Papua New Guinea have gained a broader understanding in addressing corruption through an internship programme with Transparency International PNG.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/law-students-learn-to-fight-corruption-with-tipng/

Transparency International report: PNG highly corrupt.  A new report by the global watchdog Transparency International has again classified Papua New Guinea as one of the most highly corrupt countries in the world.

http://www.mvariety.com/regional-news/110407-transparency-international-report-png-highly-corrupt

 

FIJI:

Kamlesh Arya trial starts April 15.  Arya is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption with one count of abuse of office and one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/02/05/kamlesh-arya-trial-starts-april-15/

 

TONGA:

Lavulavu couple plead not guilty to fraud charges.  Former Minister of Internal Affairs ‘Akosita Lavulavu, and her husband, a former Cabinet Minister, ‘Etuate Lavulavu today pleaded not guilty to fraud charges at the Supreme Court.

https://matangitonga.to/2019/02/04/lavulavu-couple-plead-not-guilty-fraud-charges

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Axiom plans legal action over Solomon Islands nickel licences. The share price of junior Axiom Mining stumbled on Wednesday as the company revealed it was considering legal action over the Kolosori tenement, in the Solomon Islands.

http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=6274330495c5b85cd140c14f05fc65

Manetoali denies diverting $100,000. Outgoing Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu, Samuel Manetoali denied diverting $100,000 of constituency fund for his own use.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21367-manetoali-denies-diverting-100-000

 

SAMOA:

Church files motion. The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) has filed a motion to quash the charges against 20 Church Ministers accused of alleged tax law violations.

http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/06_02_2019/local/40878/Church-files-motion.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

Myanmar ministries' CPU / Thailand ASEAN meeting / Indonesia regent sentenced

14 ministries form anti-corruption units.  From February 5 to 7, course instructors from the Myanmar Union Civil Service Board, the UNDP and the ACRC from South Korea conducted the course on the formation of the CPU in 14 ministries.

Eleven Myanmar: https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/14-ministries-form-anti-corruption-units

 

Thailand to Host the Meeting of the Southeast Asia Parties against Corruption.  As the Chair of ASEAN for 2019, Thailand is pushing for greater cooperation among ASEAN countries in all dimension. In response to this policy, the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (NACC) will host the 15th Meeting of the Southeast Asia Parties against Corruption in October 2019.

The Government Public Relations Department: http://thailand.prd.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=7613&filename=index

 

Suspended regent sentenced to 7 years for corruption.  The Indonesian Semarang Corruption Court has sentenced suspended Purbalingga regent Tasdi to seven years’ imprisonment and Rp 300 million (US$21,451) in fines for accepting kickbacks and gratuities while serving his post.

Suherdjoko/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/02/07/suspended-regent-sentenced-to-7-years-for-corruption.html

Singapore business bribery / Indian probe protest / Nepal CIAA survey

Two Korean engineers charged for corruption in Singapore.  The two are expected to plead guilty to charges of accepting bribes from another company to further business interests through their employer company.

Channel News Asia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/two-korean-engineers-charged-for-corruption-in-singapore-11201664

 

Indian state chief stages sit-in against Modi over graft probe.  Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal state led a sit-in in a standoff with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over a corruption investigation she condemned as a vendetta, as political tension rises ahead of a general election.

Subrata Nagchoudhury/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-election-state/indian-state-chief-stages-sit-in-against-modi-over-graft-probe-idUSKCN1PT0VR

 

Corruption at high level: Political will lacking to control it (Opinion).  According to a survey recently conducted by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), local governments – municipalities and rural municipalities – are among the most corrupt agencies in the country.

Ram Dayal Rakesh/The Himalayan Times:https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/corruption-at-high-level-political-will-lacking-to-control-it/

Vietnam new law / Public work survey / Chinese FDA official

Vietnam Enlists the Private Sector in the Fight Against Corruption (Blog).  “By my count (nations with anticorruption compliance laws January 2019), Vietnam is now the 25th nation to require some or all of the companies that do business in its territory to have some type of anticorruption compliance program.”

Rick Messick/The Global Anticorruption Blog:  https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/01/30/vietnam-enlists-the-private-sector-in-the-fight-against-corruption/

 

From gender gaps to corruption: 5 lessons from the first public work survey (Analysis).  “The gender pay gap is seven percentage points lower in the public sector than the private sector. Better-paid public servants aren’t necessarily less corrupt. And working for the state accounts for 38% of formal employment worldwide.”

Jennifer Guay/Apolitical: https://apolitical.co/solution_article/from-gender-gaps-to-corruption-5-lessons-from-the-first-government-work-survey/?share=direct

 

Former senior food, drug regulator expelled from CPC.  Wu Zhen, former deputy director of China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) over serious violations of discipline and laws, abusing power and taking bribes.

China Daily: http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/02/WS5c55884aa3106c65c34e7fdd.html 

 

Behavioral insights blog / OECD behavioral resource / Philippines Economic Freedom

Where Is the Behavioral Insights Revolution in Anticorruption? (Blog).  “For behavioral insights to trigger a genuine revolution in [anti-corruption] area, we need more published data-backed cases of success and guidelines on how to structure effective behavioral interventions.”

Ruta Mrazauskaite/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/01/28/national/politics-diplomacy/macron-tells-abe-worried-carlos-ghosns-time-prison/#.XE6yfVwzaUk

 

Behavioral Insights for Public Integrity – Harnessing the Human Factor to Counter Corruption (Resource).  This report describes how behavioural insights can help make integrity and anti-corruption policies more effective and efficient. It includes concrete policy applications and provides guidance for policy makers on how to use behavioural insights in designing integrity and anti-corruption policies.

OECD: http://www.oecd.org/gov/ethics/behavioural-insights-for-public-integrity-9789264297067-en.htm

 

PH drops in 'economic freedom' ranking due to corruption, tax burden: study.  The Philippines dropped 9 notches in the world's Economic Freedom ranking this year, settling at the 70th spot, due to issues in government integrity and taxes, among others, a recent study showed.

ABS-CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/02/03/19/ph-drops-in-economic-freedom-ranking-due-to-corruption-tax-burden-study

Chinese anti-graft AI / Malaysia citizen survey / Mongolia house speaker

Is China’s corruption-busting AI system ‘Zero Trust’ being turned off for being too efficient? (Analysis).  “Some officials have questioned the machine’s right to access a sensitive database because there is neither a law nor regulation authorising a computer or robot to do so.”

Stephen Chen/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/2184857/chinas-corruption-busting-ai-system-zero-trust-being-turned-being

 

MACC: Eight in 10 M’sians think corruption is a serious problem.  Based on a nationwide survey conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on International Anti-Corruption Day, 82% felt the level of corruption was serious.

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/30/macc-eight-in-10-msians-think-corruption-a-serious-problem/

 

Mongolia speaker expelled amid ongoing battle against corruption.  The Mongolian parliament voted to expel House Speaker Miyegombyn Enkhbold in an unprecedented move capping a tumultuous two months in the country's politics involving multiple corruption scandals, protests and party infighting.

Aubrey Menarndt and Boldsaikhan Sambuu/Aljazeera:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/mongolia-speaker-ousted-ongoing-battle-corruption-190131063427925.html

Transparency International findings / CPI visualized / Goldman-1MDB executives repercussions

Tackling the crisis of democracy, promoting rule of law and fighting corruption.  “Our findings suggest that strengthening institutions that provide democratic checks and balances, bridging the gap between laws and their implementation, and supporting public accountability and press freedoms, are interventions that can contribute to not only fighting corruption but also to the preservation and consolidation of  democratic institutions and norms.”

Coralie Pring and Jon Vrushi/Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/tackling_crisis_of_democracy_promoting_rule_of_law_and_fighting_corruption?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Global%20Newsletter%201%20February%202019&utm_content=Global%20Newsletter%201%20February%202019+CID_78f58fce1c7c6c18a95072b1c0bd5251&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Tackling%20the%20crisis%20of%20democracy%20promoting%20rule%20of%20law%20and%20fighting%20corruption

 

Visualizing corruption around the world (Resource).  The chart pulls its numbers from the recent 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index report, which has been published by Transparency International annually since 1995, with supplementary“government types” as rated by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Jeff Deshardins/Visual Capitalist: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-corruption-around-the-world/

 

Goldman could withhold some 2018 pay for top executives over Malaysia scandal.  The Wall Street firm's board approved a forfeiture provision that could withhold or pull back pay awarded top executives pending the outcome of a scandal involving a Malaysian development fund.

Liz Moyer/CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/01/goldman-could-withhold-some-2018-pay-for-top-executives-over-malaysia-scandal.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (1 February 2019): Micronesia, PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa

Asia Pacific: Little to no progress on anti-corruption.  At the top of this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), New Zealand scores 87 out of 100, making it the leading country fighting corruption in the region and second across the globe. New Zealand is followed closely by Singapore and Australia, with scores of 85 and 77 respectively.

https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/asia_pacific_makes_little_to_no_progress_on_anti_corruption

 

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA:

FSM government 'disturbed' by bribery allegations.  The Federated States of Micronesia government says it's disturbed by allegations that officials were bribed by a Hawaiian businessman.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381203/fsm-government-disturbed-by-bribery-allegations

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

PNG Highly Corrupt: Report. A new report by the global watchdog Transparency International has again classified Papua New Guinea as one of the most highly corrupt countries in the world.

https://postcourier.com.pg/png-highly-corrupt-report/

One third of PNG electricity being stolen.  Papua New Guinea's power utility says more than 30 percent of electricity produced in Port Moresby is being stolen through illegal connections.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381363/one-third-of-png-electricity-being-stolen

PNG Govt 'cooking the books' – economist. An economist says the Papua New Guinea government is deliberately using fake figures to paint a picture of a more rosy economy.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381344/png-govt-cooking-the-books-economist

PNG court revokes Schram arrest warrant. A Papua New Guinea court has revoked the arrest warrant for the former University of Technology vice-chancellor Albert Schram.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381270/png-court-revokes-schram-arrest-warrant

PNG govt promises to account for APEC inventory. Papua New Guinea's government says it will ensure that assets used for hosting APEC last year are accounted for.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381114/png-govt-promises-to-account-for-apec-inventory

Former PNG Defence Force officer charged with fraud. A former officer of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force has been charged with fraud.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381113/former-png-defence-force-officer-charged-with-fraud

Madang governor denies bribing election officers.  The governor of Papua New Guinea's Madang province Peter Yama denies he bribed electoral officials.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380942/madang-governor-denies-bribing-election-officers

PNG attorney-general warns about interference. Papua New Guinea's attorney-general has stressed the importance of public office-holders working within their mandated authority.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380934/png-attorney-general-warns-about-interference

 

FIJI:

Public Office Holders’ Families ‘Also Under Scrutiny’.  Spouses, de facto partners and children of persons holding public office must sacrifice certain liberties to ensure transparency is fully assured, says Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption senior lawyer Rashmi Aslam.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/01/29/public-office-holders-families-also-under-scrutiny/

Alleged Digger Scam: Water Authority of Fiji. Last year in June, it was alleged that WAF spent more than $33 million to hire a digger for 15 months.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/01/30/alleged-digger-scam-waf/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Anti-Corruption efforts yield positive results.  Solomon Islands is the only country in the Asia Pacific region that improved its score the most from 2017-2018 with plus 5 points in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21328-good-showing

Suspected fraud in Henderson land dealing. The Commissioner of Lands Allan McNeil said that his office will retrieve a controversial Fixed Term Estate (FTE) allegedly sold by its suspended Commissioner to an Asian while the court is dealing with the newly constructed building next to the airport runway at Henderson.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21291-move-to-retrieve-land

Solomons MPs given deadline to account for funds.  Outgoing MPs in Solomon Islands have been given until 15 February to account for millions of dollars in grant funding given for developing their constituencies in 2018.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/381357/solomons-mps-given-deadline-to-account-for-funds

 

SAMOA:

Olo responds to challenge on corruption evidence. Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, has urged the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi to check reports from the Auditor General and the Audit Office during the past 10 years for evidence of Government corruption.

http://www.sobserver.ws/en/31_01_2019/local/40677/Olo-responds-to-challenge-on-corruption-evidence.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