Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (30 March 2019): PNG, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu

PNG:

First Youth Against Corruption Forum. Youth Against Corruption Association (YACA) held its first Youth Forum of the year on March 23rd.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/first-youth-against-corruption-forum-83334

Catholic Bishops in PNG criticize O'Neill Govt over corruption. Catholic bishops in Papua New Guinea have criticized the O'Neill government for failing to take action on corruption and for what they call is general incompetence.

https://www.onepng.com/2019/03/catholic-bshops-in-png-criticize-oneill.html

PNG shakedown: Home Affairs contractor asked for $8 million political donation. An Australian Government contractor on Manus Island was asked by a senior Papua New Guinea official in 2017 for a multi-million-dollar donation to the ruling party of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/png-shakedown-home-affairs-contractor-asked-for-8-million-political-donation-20190322-p516j7.html

Corruption seen as ‘serious’ threat. Corruption is the area of focus for the financial analysis and supervision unit (Fasu) of the Bank of PNG, says director Benny Popoitai.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/corruption-seen-as-serious-threat/

Up to K4.4bn laundered in PNG. The possible level of money laundering in Papua New Guinea could be in the range of K1.8 billion (US$533 million) and K4.4 billion (US$1.3 billion) based on the country's GDP of nearly K90 billion (US$26 billion).

https://news.pngfacts.com/2019/03/up-to-k44bn-laundered-in-png.html

PNG’s Paraka in mood for revenge after charges dropped. A Papua New Guinea lawyer will pursue legal action against anti-fraud detectives and officials who brought dozens of fraud-related charges against him.

https://herdongazette.com/pngs-paraka-in-mood-for-revenge-after-charges-dropped/324469/

 

FIJI:

Iferemi Vasu, Peniasi Kunatuba Trial Set For July. The two appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza. They deny one charge of abuse of office by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/03/26/iferemi-vasu-peniasi-kunatuba-trial-set-for-july/

Trio facing fraud, money laundering, charges to make plea in May. Three accused persons facing charges of fraudulent falsification of account and money laundering appeared at the High Court in Suva.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/03/26/trio-facing-fraud-money-laundering-charges-to-make-plea-in-may/

 

TONGA:

Tonga's King orders investigations into government. Tonga's King Tupou VI has referred three petitions criticising the government to the ombudsman, the attorney general and the police commissioner.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/385572/tonga-s-king-orders-investigations-into-government

PM welcomes investigation into his administration. The Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva expressed relief that King Tupou VI did not dissolve the Tonga Legislative Assembly and call for new elections again, as requested by Petitioners.

https://matangitonga.to/2019/03/27/pm-welcomes-investigation-his-administration

 

VANUATU:

Watchdog urges Vanuatu president against pardons. Transparency International Vanuatu has urged the country's president not to pardon former members of parliament convicted for corruption.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/385565/watchdog-urges-vanuatu-president-against-pardons

Transparency International Vanuatu against pardoning former MPs. Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) says it will be a backward step for Vanuatu if the former members of parliament that were convicted in 2015 are pardoned.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2019/03/transparency-international-vanuatu.html

  

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

Malaysian academe case / Korean Air scandal / Viet Nam new law

Duo claim trial in RM1.48mil graft case.  Prof. Hartini and contractor Nazrul allegedly misappropriated funds belonging to a local Malaysian university’s Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) amounting to RM1.48mil (US$363,000) between January 2014 and June 2015.

G.C. Tan/The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/03/28/duo-claim-trial-in-rm148mil-graft-case/

 

Scandal-hit Korean Air chief forced off board by shareholders.  Cho Yang-ho, who is currently on trial for corruption, failed to secure a required two-thirds majority to extend his term as director, becoming the first controlling shareholder of a South Korean conglomerate to be forced off the board.

Bangkok Post:https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/1651968/scandal-hit-korean-air-chief-forced-off-board-by-shareholders

 

Retired officials must wait for a new start.  Under Viet Nam’s new anti-corruption law, retired government officials will not be allowed to found, own or run private companies for at least six months after retirement, while active public servants who received gifts are required to return them or report them within five days to their respective office if returning them is not feasible.

Viet Nam News: https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/507905/retired-officials-must-wait-for-a-new-start.html#PxAm5xQiIaqmAbmP.97

Gender and corruption / Malaysian judiciary reform / Chinese company training

Gender and corruption: where do we go from here? (Blog).  “Commitments are a valuable starting point, but without real action, they’re simply empty promises. Here are [seven] ideas countries could use to tackle gender and corruption...”

M Emilia Berazategui/Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/gender-and-corruption-where-do-we-go-from-here-e891900f5d0f

 

Msian Bar called on to help cast off negative perception of judiciary.  In the Malaysian Chief Justice’s speech during the launch of the UNDP report on the International Framework for Court Excellence (IFCE) Malaysia, CJ Malanjum said a collaboration between the judiciary and the legal fraternity is needed on the matter as it concerns both parties.

Khairah N Karim/The New Straits Times: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/03/471974/msian-bar-called-help-cast-negative-perception-judiciary

 

JD.com employees visit prisons for anti-corruption education.  E-commerce company JD.com has drawn public attention by taking its employees on a tour of a Beijing prison to teach them the value of freedom and the peril of corruption, according to an official JD WeChat account called lianjian JD, which means JD against corruption.

Global Times: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1143220.shtml

Thai politician assets / Accountability research lessons / Nepal contract cuts

Come clean on assets (Editorial).  “The plan by Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit to voluntarily transfer his assets to a so-called “blind trust” prior to becoming an MP is a welcome move, even though it is no magic bullet to avoid potential conflicts of interest.”

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1648336/come-clean-on-assets

 

5 Emerging Lessons from new research into Empowerment and Accountability in Messy Places (Blog).  “Synthesizing dozens, of papers, articles etc. (academics sure do pile up the wordcount), John Gaventa identified 5 lessons from the research, with implications for DFID and other donors…”

Duncan Green/Oxfam Blogs: https://oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/5-emerging-lessons-from-new-research-into-empowerment-and-accountability-in-messy-places/

 

Nepali bureaucrats regularly asked for ‘their cut’ from Melamchi contractor, Italian officials say.  Rampant corruption, regular demands for commission by government officials, and labyrinthine bureaucratic hassles forced the Italian contractor to abandon the Melamchi Water Supply Project, throwing the national pride project that is close to completion into uncertainty once again, an investigation has revealed.

Chandan Kumar Mandal/The Kathmandu Post: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-03-21/nepali-bureaucrats-regularly-asked-for-their-cut-from-melamchi-contractor-italian-officials-say.html

 

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

PNG:

TIPNG working to better inform communities for better transparency. Transparency International PNG has completed a workshop in West New Britain on how to monitor and report governance issues more effectively.

https://postcourier.com.pg/tipng-working-better-inform-communities-better-transparency/

 

FIJI:

Former staff of Fiji Forest Industries faces corruption-related charges. Former Sales and Marketing Officers Manwar Buksh and Salend Chetty were each charged with one count of abuse of office obtaining a financial advantage and corrupt transactions with agents.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/former-staff-of-fiji-forest-industries-faces-corruption-related-charges/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

SICCI hosts AGM, elects new Board. The Solomon Islands Chamber Commerce and Industry (SICCI) now has a new Board that will lead its mandate for the next twelve (12) months. Advocating on core business concerns such as tax reform, corruption, land reform, developing new sectors; and more broadly for a more conducive environment for business, SICCI ensures that it brings fully-informed perspectives based on the collective wisdom of its membership.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/business/item/21454-sicci-hosts-agm-elects-new-board

Police Continues Elections Awareness. The Maoa and Bina Harbour communities in West Kwaio, Malaita Province have assured the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) that they will work together with police during the upcoming National General Election (NGE) to prevent crime in their communities, including any bribery attempts by candidates.

https://www.solomontimes.com/news/police-continues-elections-awareness/8928

Sogavare: we leave behind $188M plus cash reserves. The Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) had ended its term in office with more than $188million in cash reserves for working capital for the new government, as he hits out criticisms against the DCCG as being corrupt.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21448-sogavare-we-leave-behind-188m-plus-cash-reserves

Oil spill in the Solomon Islands reveals corrupt mining practices.  The Prime Minister called for an investigation into why mining was allowed on Rennell Island to begin with and is considering halting their activities for the time being.  This isn’t the first time a mining company operating in the Solomon Islands has been accused of impropriety.

https://www.earth.com/news/oil-spill-solomon-islands/#.XJQzzCgza70

 

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

India anti-graft ombudsman / Sri Lanka Anti-Corruption plan / Nepal stocks software

India finally gets anti-graft ombudsman.  India has appointed former Supreme Court Judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose as the country’s first anti-corruption ombudsman or chairman of the Lokpal, after activists have called for this move for the last five years; Ghose will have the power to investigate any complaint of corruption against any public entity – including the Prime Minister.

Asia Times: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/03/article/india-finally-gets-anti-graft-ombudsman/

 

Sri Lanka president launches 5-year Anti-Corruption Action Plan.  President Maithripala Sirisena launched a five-year Anti-Corruption Action Plan aiming to create a corruption-free country by 2023; it will include banning officials from receiving gifts in exchange for services.

Xinhua:http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-03/18/c_137904907.htm

 

Anti-graft body to probe stock trading software deal.  Nepal’s Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is preparing to investigate possible corruption in the procurement of the software used to operate the Nepal Stock Exchange’s automated online trading system as it has been repeatedly crashing and disrupting trading, raising doubts about its quality and has negative impact on investors’ confidence.

Rajesh Khana/ The Kathmandu Post: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2019-03-19/anti-graft-body-to-probe-stock-trading-software-deal.html

Money and politics / Jakarta political financing / Thailand politician ethics

Anti-corruption in the OGP: Opening up money and politics to ensure fairness and equality (Blog).  “The [Open Government Partnership] provides a space for civil society to advance politically sensitive issues, such as money in politics, and ensure they get to the top of the agenda of urgent policy reforms.”

Jose Maria Marin/Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/anti-corruption-in-the-ogp-opening-up-money-and-politics-to-ensure-fairness-and-equality-c1ea8e4b9e48

 

Breaking the cycle of corruption (Editorial).  “It is not impossible to break this cycle of corruption. We can start by reforming the campaign and political party financing system and punishing the parties…that keep electing corrupt leaders.”

The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2019/03/18/breaking-the-cycle-of-corruption.html

 

Citing ethics, Thanathorn puts assets under blind trust.  Though it’s still uncertain whether Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit will hold any political office, the ex-businessman told reporters he wanted to “set a new standard” for Thai politics.

Teeranai Charuvastra/Khaosod English: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/03/18/citing-ethics-thanathorn-puts-assets-under-blind-trust/

Indonesia president's ally / Myanmar local governments / Nissan governance proposals

Indonesian president's ally faces graft case.   The head of a political party backing Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s bid for a second term has been named by KPK as a suspect in a graft case involving job postings at the Religious Affairs Ministry.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/1645728/indonesian-presidents-ally-faces-graft-case

 

NLD Must Address Local Governments’ Woeful Performances (Opinion).  “In addition to keeping corruption in check, however, the Union government should now consider reviewing the performance of regional governments led by chief ministers across the country, as pubic complaints of incompetence against some state and regional governments have emerged from Kachin State in the north to Tenasserim in the south.”

Kyaw Phyo Tha/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/commentary/nld-must-address-local-governments-woeful-performances.html

 

Nissan governance improvement panel to release proposals on March 27.  The committee, formed after former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn’s arrest in November over alleged financial misdeeds, said it will release governance improvement proposals and hold a news conference on that day.

The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/17/business/corporate-business/nissan-governance-improvement-panel-release-proposals-march-27/#.XI8_-igzaUk

1MDB overseas repercussions / Indonesia campaign funding / Thailand reform needs

Fed sanctions former Goldman Sachs bankers over 1MDB money-laundering scandal.  The U.S. Federal Reserve had sanctioned Tim Leissner and Roger Ng, two former Goldman Sachs Group Inc bankers, for their roles in "a scheme that illegally diverts billions of dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund,”

Suzanne Barlyn and Katanga Johnson/Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-fed-sanctions-former-goldman-141903484.html

 

Indonesia needs transparency in campaign funding (Opinion).  “Rather than speaking in generalities, the candidates should adopt three specific proposals. First, they should support legislation that would impose strict limits on the amount of money a candidate can spend in a presidential election. Second, they should support legislation that would require public disclosure of all campaign-related expenditures. Finally, they should support strict enforcement, and harsh penalties for violations, of these requirements.”

Ahmad Novindri Aji Sukma/Asia Times: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/03/opinion/indonesia-needs-transparency-in-campaign-funding/

 

Here’s what Thailand needs to thrive (Opinion).  “Overall, key issues are obvious concerning legal reforms for less corruption and economic equality, as well as for better income redistribution and international economic competitiveness via infrastructure investments and adoption of 5G and other disruptive digital technologies.”

The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30365858

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (16 March 2019): PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga

PNG:

UPNG interim chancellor resigns – report. The minister cited allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct among reasons for the move.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384732/upng-interim-chancellor-resigns-report

PNG bishops attack govt over corruption. Catholic bishops of Papua New Guinea have lambasted the government for failing to take action on corruption and for what they call its general incompetence.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384461/png-bishops-attack-govt-over-corruption

 

FIJI:

$89,623 proceeds of crime forfeited to Fiji. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stated the Government plans to utilize the forfeited assets to fund efforts to strengthen Fiji’s capacity to combat money-laundering.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/crime/89623-proceeds-of-crime-forfeited-to-fiji/

Plea time in FICAC case against ex-WAF workers. A former employee of the Water Authority of Fiji, Lasisasa Valesu, charged with abuse of office, forgery obtaining a financial advantage and aiding and abetting obtaining a financial advantage will take his please on March 26.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/03/09/plea-time-in-ficac-case-against-ex-waf-workers/

 

VANUATU:

Chinese Investment Fueling Corruption in the Pacific. Chinese investment is fueling corruption and causing resentment among the local people, says the Vanuatu Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu. He said the local people were being sidelined by increasing amounts of imported workers.

http://www.solomontimes.com/news/chinese-investment-fueling-corruption-in-the-pacific/8914

 

TONGA:

Senior civil servant convicted of fraud in Vava’u. Viliami Latu was convicted of fraudulently converting $1,200 pa’anga, while working as the second in charge at the Ministry of Finance in Neiafu.

https://matangitonga.to/2019/03/13/senior-civil-servant-convicted-fraud-vava-u

 

  

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

UNDP-OGP MoU signed / Anti-corruption in-group analysis / Sri Lanka laundering risks

UNDP and OGP sign MoU for 2030 Agenda and Open Government.  “Having worked together as multilateral partners since 2013 to advance shared principles of transparency, open government, gender equality, inclusion, and rule of law— both institutions are now strengthening their partnership at the thematic, country, regional and global levels.”

United Nations Development Programme:  https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/news-centre/news/2019/undp-and-ogp-sign-mou-for-2030-agenda-and-open-government.html

 

Anti-Corruption Programs — Know Your Crowd! (Blog).  “If we believe that social norms should be part of multi-faceted anti-corruption programming, then we need to know how to identify and change social norms, which includes determining who is in the group.”

Cheyanne Scharbatke-Church and Diana Chigas/The Fletcher School, Tufts University: https://sites.tufts.edu/ihs/anti-corruption-programs-know-your-crowd/

 

Understanding the risks of money laundering in Sri Lanka (Opinion).  “In light of Sri Lanka’s inclusion in the European Union’s (EU) list of high-risk countries for money laundering, and the subsequent rejection of this list by the European Council last week, this LKI Ex-plainer examines the key aspects of money laundering, the emerging challenges and its impact in Sri Lanka. It also explores vital domestic and international legal instruments in force to combat money laundering.”

Nilupul Gunawardena and Shihan Maharoof/FT Online:  http://www.ft.lk/opinion/Understanding-the-risks-of-money-laundering-in-Sri-Lanka/14-674510

Myanmar chief minister / Bangladesh energy sector / South Korea pop star

Tanintharyi Chief Minister Arrested on Bribery, Corruption Charges.  —Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister Daw Lei Lei Maw was arrested on bribery and corruption charges for awarding improper construction contracts in Dawei, according to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)

San Yamin Aung/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/tanintharyi-chief-minister-arrested-bribery-corruption-charges.html

 

Make it transparent.  Bangladesh’s Centre for Policy Dialogue urged the government to discontinue the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy Act immediately, calling on the energy and power sector to shift its activities from the emergency management initiated in the early 2010s to market-led management, reducing the lack of transparency, accountability, efficiency, irregularities and corruption.

The Daily Star: https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/make-it-transparent-1713301

 

Big Bang’s Seungri retires amid sex, drug and corruption scandal.  Allegations surrounding the K-Pop star Seungri include suspicion of drug use at Burning Sun, the nightclub where the singer had been an executive director, where club officials were also directed to procure sexual favors and bribed the police. 

Yoo Min-Sik/The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2019/03/11/big-bang-seungri-retires-amid-sex-drug-corruption-scandal/

Participatory anti-corruption videos / Anti-corruption in OGP / Japanese roads cartel

How video can empower communities and be a tool for change (Blog/Resource).  "InsightShare and Transparency International launched a guidebook on how to plan, produce and create impact with participatory video. Combatting Corruption Through Participatory Video: A Guide for Practitioners is the result of 10 years of collaboration between the two organisations on projects with citizens worldwide, and it's free to download now."

Chris Lunch/Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/how-video-can-empower-communities-and-be-a-tool-for-change-34955dbdf7aa

 

Anti-corruption in the OGP: new year, new opportunities (Blog).  "For the past three years we have been collaborating to ensure that the [Open Government Partnership] — as an implementing mechanism of policy reform — includes ambitious reforms in national action plans that seek to enhance the ability of governments to prevent, detect and sanction corruption."

Jose Maria Marin/Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/anti-corruption-in-the-ogp-new-year-new-opportunities-8e3512c5d0f0

 

Japanese road builders face record price-fixing fine.  Japan's Fair Trade Commission will impose a fine totaling nearly 60 billion yen on Maeda Road Construction Co and seven other major road paving material companies for forming an illegal cartel to raise the price of asphalt, thus inflating the cost of public spending on roads and wasting taxpayers' money.

Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/category/crime/japanese-road-builders-to-face-record-price-fixing-fine

Gender-smart open contracting / Thai bank probe / Chinese entrepreneur disappears

Gender-smart open contracting: empowering communities and enabling inclusive growth (Blog).  “Public procurement is the government’s number one corruption risk. And corruption has a strong gender element. Recognising the gendered aspects to corruption from sextortion to modern slavery in the supply chain and creating measures to both prevent and prosecute.”

Hera Hussain/Open Contracting Partnership: https://www.open-contracting.org/2019/03/08/gender-smart-open-contracting/

 

Bank of Thailand awaiting KTB probe of Energy Earth loans.  The Bank of Thailand is waiting for a complete report from Krungthai Bank (KTB) on the investigation into the serious allegations against Mr. Kittiphun Anutarasoti, CIMB Thai (CIMBT) chief, regarding his misconduct and fraud for his own and others' benefit,and a probe into loans extended to Energy Earth which resulted in a huge damage.

Somruedi Banchongduang/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1642432/bank-of-thailand-awaiting-ktb-probe-of-energy-earth-loans

 

Chinese entrepreneur suddenly vanishes after accusing country's most powerful judge of corruption.  For months, Zhao Faqi was a folk hero for entrepreneurs in China — an investor who fought the government in court and online, accusing China’s most powerful judge of corruption and stealing his rights to a cola-rich land, seemed poised to win.

Chris Buckley/The Independent:https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-entrepreneur-missing-judge-corruption-zhao-faqi-a8816361.html

Business internal controls / Thailand forest reserve / China anti-corruption concerns

Strong internal controls can enhance profitability.  A strong internal control system would enhance efficiency and profitability and reduce risks and costs for companies, said Brook Horowitz who was speaking at a workshop organized by UNDP and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the use of internal control mechanisms and codes of conduct.

Viet Nam News: https://vietnamnews.vn/society/506536/strong-internal-controls-can-enhance-profitability.html#44HeA1e6hY6mWRZl.97

Thank you to Brook Horowitz, CEO of IBLF Global for sharing this article.

 

Questions raised over Cabinet nod for SCG use of forest reserve.  Veera Somkwamkid, secretary-general of the People’s Network Against Corruption, posted on his page that the military-installed government should have not rushed to give the corporate giant a green light, because the use of the said land plots threatened to destroy the country’s natural resources and environment.

Chularat Saengpassa and Pratch Rujivanarom/The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30365332

 

Anti-corruption and the rule of law remain top public concerns at China’s Two Sessions.  An online survey conducted by People’s Daily Online revealed that anti-corruption, the rule of law and social security were the top three public concerns of Chinese citizens at the second session of the 13^th National People’s Congress and the second session of the 13^th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference taking place in March.

Zhang Yang/The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/world/peoples-daily-online/news/china-anti-corruption/

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

PNG:

Plea made for people to stay firm on war on corruption.  Transparency International PNG is encouraging people to fight corruption by reporting to its Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC).

https://www.thenational.com.pg/plea-made-for-people-to-stay-firm-on-war-on-corruption/

Legal aid outreach in EHP. Transparency International (TIPNG) was recently in Goroka town to report corruption to its Advocacy & Legal Advice Centre (ALAC). 

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/legal-aid-outreach-ehp-82935

 

FIJI:

Festival Committee Members on Probe.  Organising committee members of festival have come under the spotlight for allegedly misusing funds.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/03/03/festival-committee-members-on-probe/

Represent yourselves or get a new lawyer; Cypriots told.  Two Cyprus nationals charged with money laundering were yesterday ordered to engage a lawyer who could represent them within three weeks.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/03/06/represent-yourselves-or-get-new-lawyer-cypriots-told/

 

TONGA:

Tongan PM accuses princess of taking millions intended for govt. Tonga's Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, has claimed a royal princess used her shareholding in a private company to take nearly $US50 million intended for the government, court documents show.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384165/tongan-pm-accuses-princess-of-taking-millions-intended-for-govt

 

VANUATU:

Vanuatu pardons, if approved, would follow intense pressure.  Vanuatu's president appears to be relenting to pressure as he looks set to pardon 14 former MPs who were jailed for corruption in 2016.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384124/vanuatu-pardons-if-approved-would-follow-intense-pressure

 

SAMOA:

Samoa LTA assistant CEO found guilty, legal division head walks free.  The assistant chief executive of Samoa's Land Transport Authority, Mata'afa Sepelini Poufa, has been found guilty of six criminal charges.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384021/samoa-lta-assistant-ceo-found-guilty-legal-division-head-walks-free

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

The political economy of the Solomon Islands oil spill. The unfolding disaster on Rennell is a perfect case study in rapacious natural resource exploitation, poverty and weak governance.

http://www.devpolicy.org/the-political-economy-of-the-unfolding-solomon-islands-oil-spill-20190308/

TSI: be fair on scholarships. Transpanrecy Solomon Islands (TSI) has called for greater transparency in the National Training Committee (NTC) and National Training Unit (NTU) when awarding scholarships.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21424-tsi-be-fair-on-scholarships

 

  

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

Open Data inventory / Thai politicians policies / Accountability M&E competencies

Open Data Inventory 2018/2019 (Resource).  The Open Data Inventory (ODIN) assesses the coverage and openness of official statistics to help identify gaps, promote open data policies, improve access, and encourage dialogue between national statistical offices (NSOs) and data users.

Open Data Watch: http://odin.opendatawatch.com/Report/annualReport

 

How politicians think they can fight corruption.  Thai politicians competing in the March-24 general election agree that corruption is a scourge that is undermining the Thai society and dealing with it will be one of their priorities if they come to power after the poll.

Thai PBS World:https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-politicians-think-they-can-fight-corruption/

 

Three core competencies essential for M&E practitioners in the accountability field (Blog).  “…I was struck by the overwhelming need for not only practical MEL skills but the range of capacities required to address the multi-level challenges they face. What emerged for me is that there are at least three core competencies or capacities that M&E practitioners in the accountability sector require to be effective in the work they do.”

Vanessa Malila/Transparency and Accountability Initiative: https://www.transparency-initiative.org/uncategorized/4605/three-core-competencies-essential-for-me-practitioners-in-the-accountability-field/

Bangladesh civil aviation / Indonesia freezes account / Malaysia SOE ex-GM

Graft plagues civil aviation.  Biman Bangladesh airlines high-ups, including some of its board members, have been misappropriating huge money through irregularities in tender process. On the other hand, some officials of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh accept bribes from contractors, who are “looting money” by building poor-quality towers and boarding bridges, the Anti-Corruption Commission has found.

The Daily Star: https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/graft-wrecks-civil-aviation-1710175

 

KPK freezes company's bank account in Bakamla graft case.  The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reportedly frozen the bank account, which contains Rp 60 billion (US$4.25 million), of PT Merial Esa (ME), a company named a graft suspect by the antigraft body in a procurement of sea surveillance satellite systems at the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla).

The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/03/04/kpk-freezes-companys-bank-account-in-bakamla-graft-case.html

 

Court upholds sentence of ex-GM of TNB subsidiary for graft.  Malaysia’s High Court has upheld the six-year jail term and RM5.4mil fine imposed on a former general manager of a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for accepting bribes in exchange for giving discount on unprocessed copper five years ago.

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/03/04/court-upholds-sentence-of-ex-gm-of-tnb-subsidiary-for-graft/

Rule of Law index / Japan cryptocurrency laundering / Myanmar's controversial partner

World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2019 (Resource).  The second largest decline over last year was seen in the area of “Criminal Justice,” followed by “Open Government” and “Fundamental Rights." On a positive note, more countries improved in “Absence of Corruption” than declined for the second year in a row.

World Justice Project: https://worldjusticeproject.org/our-work/research-and-data/wjp-rule-law-index-2019

 

Cases of money laundering linked to cryptocurrency in Japan up tenfold in 2018.  According to the National Police Agency, over 7,000 cases of suspected money laundering linked to cryptocurrencies were reported to police in 2018, more than a tenfold jump from the 669 cases reported in a shorter period between April and December in 2017, when it became mandatory for cryptocurrency exchange operators to report transactions suspected to be linked to the movement of illegally obtained cash.

The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/28/national/crime-legal/cases-money-laundering-linked-cryptocurrency-japan-tenfold-2018/#.XHzlzYgzaUk

 

Chinese Firm Involved in New Yangon City Has Long List of Controversies Abroad (Analysis).  China Communications Construction Co., Ltd., Chinese state-owned company, which has signed a framework agreement with the Yangon government to draw up a proposal for the infrastructure projects of the New Yangon City project across the Yangon River expected to be twice the size of Singapore, has been embroiled in a number of controversies for its involvement in alleged fraud, corruption and bribery in many other countries where it implemented similar development projects.

Nan Lwin/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/chinese-firm-involved-new-yangon-city-long-list-controversies-abroad.html

Philippines governor case / China reporting tool / Myanmar ex-FDA director

Sandiganbayan junks Palawan governor's bid for reinvestigation of graft case.  The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan denied Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez's bid to have his graft case, stemming from alleged anomalies in a water supply project approved in 2014, be returned to the Office of the Ombudsman for a new investigation, saying there were no new evidence presented.

Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/nation/224829-sandiganbayan-junks-palawan-governor-jose-alvarez-bid-reinvestigation-graft-case

 

China’s corruption watchdog probes officials’ personal details.  In the past two years, false declarations on the 16-page “Leading Cadres’ Personal Matters Report Form” have led to the downfall of a number of high-ranking officials at the hands of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) watchdog authorized to conduct random checks on the forms.

William Zheng/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/2188227/chinas-corruption-watchdog-probes-officials-personal-details

 

Mandalay Court Charges Ex-FDA Director With Graft.  A Mandalay Region court charged U Than Htut, the former director-general of the Health and Sports Ministry’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with bribery after hearing from more than 30 prosecution witnesses since May.

De Hlaing Winn/The Irrawaddy:https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/mandalay-court-charges-ex-fda-director-graft.html

Sri Lanka asset declarations / Malaysia construction claims / Viet Nam instructive experience

In a historic first 5 Sri Lankan lawmakers voluntarily declare assets aiming to fight corruption.  Five Sri Lankan legislators voluntarily came forward and published their Declarations of Assets and Liabilities at an event organized by the Transparency International Sri Lanka, first such move in the country, aiming to fight against corruption.

Colombo Page: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19A/Feb28_1551340516CH.php

 

Corruption claims ‘ridiculous lies’, says Guan Eng.  Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had also called the allegations on the blog published Raja Petra Kamaruddin a lie, citing that it is public knowledge the tunnel and roads project in Penang were conducted through open tender, while the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had lodged a police report against the blogger.

Pradeep Nambiar/Free Malaysia Today: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/03/03/corruption-claims-ridiculous-lies-says-guan-eng/

 

North Korea can learn from Vietnam’s achievements and its mistakes (Analysis).  “Early action to protect the environment and to contain corruption can be more effective than addressing these issues at a later stage of the reform process.”

Raymond Mallon/VN Express: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/trump-kim-summit-vietnam/north-korea-can-learn-from-vietnam-s-achievements-and-its-mistakes-3887409.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (2 March 2019): PNG, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands

PNG:

Corruption Biggest Threat to Skills Training.  A skills trainer has singled out corruption as the biggest threat affecting proper and quality training of artisans, trades persons and all manual workers for Papua New Guinea’s workforce.

https://postcourier.com.pg/corruption-biggest-threat-skills-training/

 

FIJI:

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Granted Time in Shameem Khan Case.  He is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss and appeared before Magistrate Deepika Prakash.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/02/14/fiji-independent-commission-against-corruption-granted-time-in-shameem-khan-case/

 

TONGA:

Tonga ombudsman investigating public enterprises. Tonga's ombudsman has announced an inquiry into allegations of poor administration by the boards of public enterprises.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/383536/tonga-ombudsman-investigating-public-enterprises

 

COOK ISLANDS:

Cooks' Hagai appointment awaiting police investigation outcome. The Cook Islands deputy prime minister Mark Brown says Toka Hagai will not be appointed to a ministerial post until he is cleared by the police.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/383423/cooks-hagai-appointment-awaiting-police-investigation-outcome

 

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

Philippines corruption unrest / Multinationals compliance difficulty / Viet Nam's regulatory environment

Ex-rebels now governing Philippines' volatile Bangsamoro region vow 'new jihad' on corruption.  "Our enemy during this struggle is not the soldiers. Our enemy is not the government," Murad Ebrahim said in a speech after taking leadership of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as interim chief minister. He said he and his men would wage a new jihad, or holy war, against corruption and mismanagement.

South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2187852/ex-rebels-now-governing-philippines-volatile-bangsamoro

 

Tackling local compliance in an increasingly globalised world.  Participants in a recent survey, with almost 40% of senior legal and compliance professionals polled across the Asia‑Pacific region (APAC), cited changing local and global regulatory requirements as major challenges confronting their organisations.

Leon Mao/Risk.net: https://www.risk.net/regulation/6409476/tackling-local-compliance-in-an-increasingly-globalised-world

 

Accelerating Vietnam's path to prosperity (Blog).  "Private investors are challenged by complicated legal and regulatory environments and rigid risk sharing arrangements between public and private sector. A more open and clear investment environment would help expand Vietnam's infrastructure portfolio, and much is being done."

Makhtar Diop/World Bank: https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/accelerating-vietnams-path-prosperity?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM9613