Friday, May 31, 2019

Corruption costs and solutions / WTO trade-related bribery / Sanctions and reforms

Corruption and Your Money (Blog).  “The chart shows that overall, the least corrupt governments collect 4 percent of GDP more in tax revenues than countries at the same level of economic development with the highest levels of corruption.”

IMF Blog: https://blogs.imf.org/2019/05/28/corruption-and-your-money/

 

Why the WTO should tackle border corruption (Blog).  “In sum, the [World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body] provides a forum well suited to combat trade-related bribery. A limited anticorruption agenda fits neatly within the WTO’s ambit and would make valuable use of the DSB’s expertise and resources.”

Jonathan Eubank/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/05/27/why-the-wto-should-tackle-border-corruption/

 

Fiscal Futures: Financial transparency in the era of financial war (Blog).  “It may be necessary for stewards of global financial integrity to take a more assertive stance on the responsible use of economic sanctions lest years of progress in improving global regulations and supervision be undone in an environment of financial warfare where global financial integration is tantamount to entering a blast radius, and where domestic reforms, such as increased budget transparency, become akin to exposing the location of a piece of critical infrastructure and leaving it vulnerable to attack.”

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj/International Budget Partnership: https://www.internationalbudget.org/2019/05/fiscal-futures-financial-transparency-in-the-era-of-financial-war/

Thursday, May 30, 2019

China graft network / Afghanistan sexual bribery / Thai public graft-buster

Exclusive: The Graft Network Around Disgraced Shaanxi Chief.  At least six businessmen have come onto investigators’ radar as they probe the corruption case of Zhao Zhengyong, former Communist Party chief of Northwest China’s resources-rich Shaanxi province. Relatives of Zhao including his wife, daughter and brother have also become targets of graft investigators, according to several sources.

Xiao Hui, Luo Guoping, Han Wei, Lin Jinbing and Timmy Shen/Caixin: https://www.caixinglobal.com/2019-05-24/exclusive-the-graft-network-around-disgraced-shaanxi-chief-101419266.html

 

Afghan officials call for probe into sexual favours scandal.  Afghan officials, including the nation's chief executive, have called for an investigation into allegations that high-level government members were offering jobs in exchange for sexual favours, although some do question the motives of the accusers.

 

Ali M Latifi/Al Jazeerahttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/afghan-officials-call-probe-sexual-favours-scandal-190528121137058.html

 

The graft-buster who never stops.  One truth about state agencies is there are so many abuses of power and acts of dishonesty that graft watchdogs generally can't keep up. This sentiment was echoed by the new secretary-general of the [Thai] Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) when he was asked to reflect on the PACC’s decade-long war on rogue behavior”

King-oua Laohong/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1684340/the-graft-buster-who-never-stops

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Global procurement reform / Maldives new administration / Indonesia corruption-environment nexus

Exclusive: Why Britain wants global procurement reform.  “While the conversation starts with tackling corruption and increasing integrity, it very quickly turns to digital transformation of government”, Warren Smith, Head of the Global Digital Marketplace Programme, UK says.

Medha Basu/GovInsider: https://govinsider.asia/connected-gov/britain-globale-procurement-reform-warren-smith-uk-gds/

 

Maldives: What 100 days of a new presidency tells us about the fight against corruption (Blog).  The government is making progress towards its commitments, including publication of declaration of assets of senior public officials and revocation of anti-democratic laws and introduction of legislature to protect whistleblowers. While these are good first steps, immediate systemic reforms are required to combat corruption effectively.”

Mariyam Shiuna/Voice for Transparency (TI blog): https://voices.transparency.org/maldives-what-100-days-of-a-new-presidency-tells-us-about-the-fight-against-corruption-d8c712fcdc76

 

Lessons from two years of investigating corrupt land deals in Indonesia (Blog).  “The now-concluded investigative series “Indonesia for Sale” examined the corruption underpinning Indonesia’s land rights and climate crisis in unparalleled depth…In this final commentary, we explore how tackling corruption is an essential precondition for Indonesia to meet its climate targets and resolve land conflicts, and the role of government and civil society in doing so.”

The Gecko Project Blog: https://thegeckoproject.org/what-we-learned-from-two-years-of-investigating-corrupt-land-deals-in-indonesia-17988e27e981

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Myanmar farming loan / Indonesia sports treasurer / Iran tightens grip

Bank Manager Demanded Bribe from Farmers Seeking Loan, ACC Sa.  The Myanmar Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a lawsuit against the manager of a Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank branch in Irrawaddy Region’s Kyaunggon Township for allegedly misappropriating agricultural loans, requesting 700,000 kyats from farmers to approve their request for a loan.

Htun Htun/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/bank-manager-demanded-bribe-farmers-seeking-loan-acc-sa.html

 

Treasurer of Indonesian Sport Committee sent to jail in graft case.  An Indonesian court for anti-graft crimes sent Johny E Aquy, a treasurer of the country's Sport Committee to jail for bribing officials in the Youth and Sport Ministry to speed up the approval and disbursement of grants, in Indonesia’s effort to clear the sport sector from such irregularity.

Xinhua: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-05/21/c_138077496.htm

 

Iran tightens noose on corrupt tycoons.  The long arm of the Iranian law seems to be reaching individuals accused of misusing political connections for personal profit at a time when the economy is under severe strain due to mismanagement at home and reimposed US sanctions.

AL Monitor: https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/05/iran-corruption-hossein-hemmati-scandal-trial-judiciary.html

Monday, May 27, 2019

Myanmar ACC challenges / Malaysia beyond Najib / Philippines laundering risk

Cooperation, Lack of Accountability Biggest Challenges for Anti-Graft Body, Says Chairman.  MyanmarAnti-Corruption Commission Chairman U Aung Kyi told the Union Parliament that an unwillingness to cooperate, as well as a lack of accountability and transparency, are the commission’s biggest challenges. He said he was not pleased with responses from the concerned departments that they had transferred the cases to.

San Yamin Aung/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/cooperation-lack-accountability-biggest-challenges-anti-graft-body-says-chairman.html

 

Cleaning up corruption in Malaysia goes beyond Najib (Opinion).  “The [1MDB] scandal has made Najib the poster boy for corruption in Malaysia. While this is well-deserved, it is also important to understand that the rot goes far deeper than one man.”

Cynthia Gabriel/Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/cleaning-corruption-malaysia-najib-190522110246585.html

 

Philippines a haven for money launderers, criminals - AMLC.  The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secretariat yesterday reported that the Philippines has become a major destination of illicit funding for violation of environmental laws, trafficking of persons, kidnapping for ransom and terrorism, according to a study titled “A risk assessment on the Philippines’ exposure to external threats based on submitted suspicious transaction reports” which looked at data from 2013 to 2017.

Lawrence Agcaoili/The Philippine Star: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/23/1920219/philippines-haven-money-launderers-criminals-amlc

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (25 May 2019): PNG, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

First-ever PNG Youths Fashion Show. The first-ever PNG Youths Fashion Show held during the weekend was created to support the work of Youth Against Corruption Association (YACA) and the WeCARe Foundation.

http://www.looppng.com/entertainment/first-ever-png-youths-fashion-show-84398

Manase wants to push corruption bill this year.  Ministerof Justice and Attorney-General Alfred Manase says he will ensure that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Bill is passed in Parliament this year.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/manase-wants-to-push-corruption-bill-this-year/

 

VANUATU:

On China’s mainland, its millionaires ponder a Chinexit.  Vanuatu, a Pacific island country, is probably the most successful in this regard; citizenship is available to those who invest $150,000 or more, and this program is so popular that the money accounts for 24 per cent of Vanuatu’s total government revenue…Clearly, China has been shedding capital and talent through migration of its wealthy elite. The Communist Party of China’s crackdown on corruption, no doubt, has also had an effect.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-on-chinas-mainland-its-millionaires-ponder-a-chinexit/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Solomon Islands imprisoned for trying to stop the logging of their forests.  A group of residents of Nende Island in the Solomon Islands claim corrupt government practices allowed a logging company to get a license to log the island’s primary forests, as well as cropland. Activists also allege the company, Malaysia-based Xiang Lin SI Ltd, logged outside of its concession area.

https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/solomon-islanders-tried-to-stop-the-logging-of-their-forest-and-may-pay-the-price/

A new election brings little hope for Solomon Islands’ vanishing forests.  Longstanding allegations of corruption plague forest governance in the Solomon Islands, with residents and NGOs claiming government officials are allowing logging to illegally penetrate primary forests on community and ancestral land.

https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/a-new-election-brings-little-hope-for-solomon-islands-vanishing-forests/

 

 

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

Friday, May 24, 2019

UK-US extra-territorial laws / GovTech procurement recommendations / Myanmar ACC performance

Practice Alert: Key differences in UK Bribery Act guidance versus FCPA guidance (Blog).  “…given the extra-territoriality of both laws and active enforcement, many international firms will need to consider both the U.S. and UK guidance when designing and implementing their controls.”

Sam Tate/The FCPA Blog: http://www.fcpablog.com/blog/2019/5/20/practice-alert-key-differences-in-uk-bribery-act-guidance-ve.html

 

Thinking about GovTech – A Brief Guide for Policymakers (Resource).  “…a prevalence of disastrous, expensive IT projects points to a profound lack of government oversight in private-sector partnerships, indicating carelessness, lack of capacity, or even corruption…It is thus incumbent upon policymakers to reconceive how they buy, use, and regulate the technologies of twenty-first century governance.”

Tanya Filer/Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge: https://www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/news/bennett-institute-issues-worlds-first-guide-global/

 

A Look at Anti-Graft Body’s First-Year Performance (Analysis).  “With prosecutions against a number of powerful and influential but corrupt officials over the past year and a half…[Myanmar’s] anti-graft body has gained high public expectations…However, during recent parliamentary debates over the commission’s annual report for 2018, its effectiveness in handling public complaints and its investigations into misappropriations and losses of public funds—the definition of corruption under the fourth amendment to Myanmar’s Anti-Corruption Law—were questioned by lawmakers.”

San Yamin Aung/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/look-anti-graft-bodys-first-year-performance.html

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Malaysia corruption inroads / Myanmar road department / Philippines Land Transportation

Corruption making inroads into Pakatan Harapan, warns Anwar.  Anwar Ibrahim, the “prime minister-in-waiting” said that people should not blindly support the Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition, adding that it was imperative for party members to speak out against leaders who had gained sudden wealth.

Channel News Asia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-corruption-making-inroads-pakatan-harapan-anwar-ibrahim-11542038

 

One Sentenced, One at Large in Mandalay Corruption Case.  As the Department of Rural Road Development distributed the money to vendors, the two individuals charged abused their power by diverting a total of three percent of the costs—or 10.278 million kyats (US$6,660)—to their own pockets, although one still remains at large.

De Hlaing Winn/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/one-sentenced-one-large-mandalay-corruption-case.html

 

LTO-7 moves to rid itself of corrupt practices.  Aside from going after alleged corrupt officials, the Philippine Land Transportation Office-7 is also now actively seeking the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation in endorsing reports and hotline complaints.

Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/The Freeman: https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2019/05/05/1915142/lto-7-moves-rid-itself-corrupt-practices

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Anti-corruption studies podcast / Hong Kong IPO bribery / Blockchain for procurement

New Podcast Episode, Featuring Bo Rothstein (Blog/Podcast).  This KickBack Podcast episode discusses “a range of topics, including the right way to define corruption (and its opposite), how the field of anticorruption studies has changed in the past 20 years, what we’ve learned about the most effective ways of addressing systemic corruption, and what ought to be at the top of the agenda for future research.”

Matthew Stephenson/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/05/14/new-podcast-episode-featuring-bo-rothstein/

 

Ex-managing director of investment bank charged with bribery over IPO of logistics company.  Catherine Leung Kar-cheung, former managing director of J.P. Morgan has been charged by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) with bribing the chairman of a logistics company with an employment of the chairman’s son with the bank for the chairman showing favour to the bank in the engagement of investment banks or institutions for the initial public offering (IPO) of the company.

Hong Kong ICAC: https://www.icac.org.hk/en/press/index_id_731.html

 

Here's how blockchain could stop corrupt officials from stealing school lunches (Blog).  Due to blockchain’s tamper-resistant record-logging features, the first benefit – commitment – can reduce risk in government procurement through an increase in data record integrity and credibility of publicly available information. This will be particularly beneficial in enabling contractor selection and monitoring performance.”

Cathy Barrera, Stephanie Hurder and Ashley Lannquist/World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/05/heres-how-blockchain-stopped-corrupt-officials-stealing-school-dinners/

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Indonesian politician database / Why corporate governance / Thailand imposters extort

Battling Corruption in Indonesia’s Elections (Opinion).  “Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) developed rekamjejak.net, the country’s first comprehensive database of parliamentary candidates. In addition to providing basic information on candidates, like their estimated wealth and business links, rekamjejak.net helps voters learn whether or not incumbents have had corruption charges levied against them during their time in parliament.”

Donal Fariz/The Diplomat: https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/battling-corruption-in-indonesias-elections/

 

Why it makes good business sense to focus on environmental, social and corporate governance practices (Opinion/Video).  “More corporations realise that [Environment, Social and Corporate Governance] policies that take care of the environment, their staff and the public matter – not just by demonstrating corporate integrity but also as sound fiscal acuity.

Andrew Sun/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/native/business/markets/topics/investing/article/3007574/why-it-makes-good-business-sense-focus

 

Imposter busted over fees to end graft probes.  The Thai police have arrested a couple who posed as National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) officers to cheat officials who are currently being probed by the anti-graft agency out of more than two million baht.

Wassayos Ngamkham/The Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crime/1678400/impostors-busted-over-fees-to-end-graft-probes

Monday, May 20, 2019

Malaysia ministers KPI / Indonesia police salary / Japan car-maker profit

Ministers may soon add anti-corruption measures to their KPIs.  Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) has proposed to the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) that ministers should undertake these five anti-corruption measures at their ministries as part of the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP).

 

The Edge Markets: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/dr-mahathir-wants-lawmakers-declare-assets-antigraft-drive

 

Throwing money at corruption (Commentary).  “…it is highly unlikely that bumping up a few salaries or giving better allowances will result in a significant drop in Indonesia’s corruption statistics. More than likely, the government there will need to look at a more holistic approach which not only involves those in employment but the nation as a whole.”

Sheith Khidhir/The ASEAN Post: https://theaseanpost.com/article/throwing-money-corruption

 

Japan's Nissan sees sharply lower profits after Ghosn scandal.  As its former chairman Carlos Ghosn defends himself against allegations of financial misconduct, the company said it expects operating profits to fall by 28 percent in the year ending March 31, 2020. That's after a 45 percent plunge to 318bn yen ($2.9bn) last year.

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/japan-nissan-sees-sharply-profits-ghosn-scandal-190514105624330.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (18 May 2019): PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

2019 Walk Against Corruption launched. Transparency International PNG launched 13th Annual Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption on May 16th.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/2019-walk-against-corruption-launched-84312

PNG’s Prime Minister Delays No-Confidence Vote by Adjourning Parliament. A vote of no confidence was slated to take place on May 16 to remove Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill from office.

https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/pngs-prime-minister-delays-no-confidence-vote-by-adjourning-parliament/

PNG PM rewards loyal coalition partners with portfolios.  Mr O'Neill has rewarded main coalition parties who have stayed with him during an ongoing political wrestle as the opposition prepares for a vote of no confidence against him, for example with ministerial seats for Defense, Health, and Transport and Infrastructure.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/389161/png-pm-rewards-loyal-coalition-partners-with-portfolios

 

FIJI:

Winstron Thompson: Leaked Documents Will Be Investigated. An investigation is expected to be carried out by the University of the South Pacific into how a confidential document has been leaked before necessary investigations had been carried out.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/05/15/winston-thompson-leaked-documents-will-be-investigated/

AG, Radrodro and Usamate debate in parliament on Fiji roads and capability of FRA. Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted that many people who were involved in corruption in the Department of National Roads and the PWD were not taken to task, adding that it is a completely different story.

http://fijivillage.com/news/AG-Radrodro-and-Usamate-debate-in-parliament-on-Fiji-roads-and-capability-of-FRA-9sk2r5

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Foreigner Charged for Alleged Fraudulent Voting. Investigators of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have formally charged a 40-year-old man for alleged fraudulent voting during the recent National General Election.

https://www.solomontimes.com/news/foreigner-charged-for-alleged-fraudulent-voting/9050

 

VANUATU:

Call for prosecution of 19 public servants in Vanuatu.  A Vanuatu commission investigating alleged misuse of funds has called for the prosecution of 19 senior public servants including two MPs as well as the electricity company supplying Port Vila and Luganville.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/389155/call-for-prosecution-of-19-public-servants-in-vanuatu

 

 

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

Friday, May 17, 2019

SDG Accountability Handbook / Viet Nam crackdown reasons / BRI responsible practice

SDG Accountability Handbook (Resource).  This practical guide for civil society features examples from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand’s anti-corruption commissions’ use of Consumer Price Index data as a key performance indicator to measure anti-corruption efforts (page 67).

Transparency, Accountability & Participation for 2030 Agenda (TAP Network): https://sdgaccountability.org/about-the-handbook/

 

Real reasons for Vietnam’s crackdown on graft (Opinion).  “What makes sense (and what Hanoi appears to be doing) is to sort out the most profitable and competent firms from those that are institutionally incompetent and corrupt, and stop the latter from leeching off the state’s restricted funds.”

David Hutt/Asia Times: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/05/opinion/real-reasons-for-vietnams-crackdown-on-graft/

 

Responsible practices are key to BRI’s success.  “[Chinese companies participating in the BRI] should adhere to the United Nations Global Compact’s 10 universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption, and follow the guidance on social responsibility (ISO 26000:2010) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).”

Sun Xi/Asia Times: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/05/opinion/responsible-practices-are-key-to-bris-success/

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Republic of Korea integrity culture / Malaysia 1MDB lesson / China overseas projects

'Culture of integrity' key to fighting corruption (Interview).  “The end goal of the nation's anti-corruption policy drive should be to establish a culture of integrity in the private sector, but the ongoing government-led institutional reforms focus mainly on the public area, according to Park Un-jong, chairwoman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC).”

Lee Min-hyung/The Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/05/356_268689.html

 

Kit Siang: Never forget lesson of 1MDB in order to become ‘nation of integrity’.  “If there had been no change of government a year ago, Malaysia will be hurtling towards the trajectory of a failed, rogue and kleptocratic state, pawning the rights and interests of our children and children’s children,” Lim Kit Siang, leader of Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party said; as a result, Malaysians must never forget or stop talking about 1MDB or Najib’s kleptocracy, while believing in a vision of unity, freedom, justice and prosperity for a better Malaysia in the future.

Julia Chan/Malay Mail:https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/05/14/kit-siang-never-forget-lesson-of-1mdb-in-order-to-become-nation-of-integrit/1752789

 

Chinese Agricultural Projects in Venezuela Produce Corruption, Not Food (Opinion).  “In a 2017 speech, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Chinese companies had agreed to 790 projects in areas ranging from oil to housing to telecommunications. Of those, he said, 495 were complete. Some developments have been slowed because of corruption, people familiar with the projects said. Others got delayed because of poor management and a lack of supervision.

Jill Robbins and Angus Berwick/VOA News: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/chinese-agricultural-projects-in-venezuela-produce-corruption-not-food/4911238.html

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Open government examples / Malaysia 1MDB feature / Effective judiciary commentary

Observatory of Public Sector Innovation – Open Government Case Studies.  A mapping by OECD of notable open government initiatives around the world, where users can screen for ‘Open Government Tags’ such as “accountability”, “anti-corruption”, “open data”, “integrity”, etc.

OECD OPSI: https://oecd-opsi.org/case_type/open-government/

 

Malaysia: Power and Corruption (Feature video).  Al Jazeera’s101 East lifts the curtain on the alleged corruption of the former Prime Minister, Najib Razak, and his wife, Rosmah, and investigates how key institutions were rendered powerless as the nation's coffers were robbed.

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/2019/05/malaysia-power-corruption-190509052155970.html

 

An effective judiciary should be independent as well as accountable (Commentary).  As I argue in my book Independence and Accountability of the Indian Higher Judiciary, both independence and accountability are needed for "an effective judiciary" which is trusted to be impartial and composed of men and women of the highest integrity…To merely emphasise one value at the cost of the other will end up eroding the very public confidence that is at the core of judicial functioning”

Arghya Sengupta/The Economic Times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/an-effective-judiciary-should-be-independent-as-well-as-accountable/articleshow/69286276.cms

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Korea sex bribery / Malaysia police complaint / Myanmar development contract

Ex-vice minister summoned for questioning over sex bribery scandal.  Republic of Korea’s Former Vice Justice Minister Kim Hak-eui who retired from public service in 2013 appeared before the prosecution for the first time to undergo questioning with regard to allegations of rape, abuse of power, and accepting bribes in the form of sexual services.

Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190509000624

 

IPCMC one step closer to reality after positive talks with cops.  “The Independent Police Complaints Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) looks set to be a reality, following positive discussions between the police and the National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC).”

Joseph Kaos Jr/The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/10/ipcmc-one-step-closer-to-reality-after-positive-talks-with-cop/

 

Suspicions Raised in Mon State Development Contract.  Min Htin Aung Han, former Mon State minister of electricity, energy and industry, said it was the regional chief minister’s own decision, and not that of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to give a 1-billion-kyat ($656,000) road-building contract from the state budget to a private company. He added that giving the project directly to a company does not comply with standard legal procedure, and that, when he brought this up to the chief minister, he was not happy about it.

Lawi Weng/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/suspicions-raised-in-mon-state-development-contract.html

 

Monday, May 13, 2019

ASEAN SDG localization / Foreign Bribery resolutions / AI-data for accountability

SDG Localization In ASEAN: Experiences In Shaping Policy And Implementation Pathways (Resource).  The report is a collection of various case studies from across ASEAN which demonstrate the role of key enablers in localizing the SDGs, including an example from Thailand’s public procurement reform and the role of private sector in promoting good governance and anti-corruption.

ASEAN-China-UNDP: http://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/library/sustainable-development/sdg-localization-in-asean--experiences-in-shaping-policy-and-imp.html

 

New OECD Report Highlights the Importance of Non-Trial Resolutions in Foreign Bribery Cases (Blog/Resource).  “The [Resolving Foreign Cases with Non-Trial Resolutions] report finds that close to 80% of the almost 900 foreign bribery cases concluded since the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention came into force have been concluded through non-trial resolutions, and among the three most active enforcers of foreign anti-bribery laws—the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom—this percentage rises to 96%.”

Sandrine Hannedouche-Leric, Elisabeth Danon and Brooks Hickman/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/05/09/guest-post-new-oecd-report-highlights-the-importance-of-non-trial-resolutions-in-foreign-bribery-cases/

 

Fiscal Futures: Do artificial intelligence and big data present opportunities or challenges to fiscal accountability? (Blog)  “Data that improve public accountability should be routinely used and consumed by the government to manage transactions and improve internal efficiency. Designing for government data use is a key channel for creating feedback loops that improve data quality for all users.”

Gavin Hayman/International Budget Partnership: https://www.internationalbudget.org/2019/05/fiscal-futures-artificial-intelligence-big-data-opportunities-challenges/

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (11 May 2019): Solomon Islands, PNG, Samoa, Fiji

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Solomon Islands new govt prioritises mining reforms. Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare says his new government is prioritising productive sector reforms including new mining legislation, after a recent incident revealed the inadequacies of the current mining law when it comes to holding mining companies accountable.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/388745/solomon-islands-new-govt-prioritises-mining-reforms

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

Papua New Guinea leader sees off rebellion by MPs despite mass defections. Despite the resignation of dozens of ministers and accusations of corruption, Peter O’Neill appears to have outmaneuvered the opposition.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/08/papua-new-guinea-leader-sees-off-rebellion-by-mps-despite-mass-defections

Papua New Guinea politics in chaos as MPs table no-confidence motion in PM. Papua New Guinea has lurched into a new political crisis, after a spate of high-profile resignations by government ministers led to MPs calling a vote of no confidence in the prime minister, Peter O’Neill, which the PM managed to delay. A lack of consultation by O’Neill over a $16bn gas deal is among the opposition’s complaints.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/07/papua-new-guinea-politics-in-chaos-as-mps-table-no-confidence-motion-in-pm

 

SAMOA:

Cryptocurrency under investigation in Samoa denies wrongdoing. A cryptocurrency company being investigated by Samoan authorities for alleged money laundering is denying it has any official presence in the country.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/388836/cryptocurrency-under-investigation-in-samoa-denies-wrongdoing

 

FIJI:

Former FICAC officer found guilty of corruption related offences. A former FICAC Assistant Complaints Officer was sentenced to 4 years 8 months imprisonment in the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court today after he was found guilty of corruption related offences.

http://fijivillage.com/news/Former-FICAC-officer-found-guilty-of-corruption-related-offences-rs9k52/

Former Post Master of Post Fiji accused of stealing cash amounting to $17, 972.55. A former Post Master with Post Fiji was produced in the Sigatoka Magistrates Court charged with corruption related offences.

http://fijivillage.com/news/-Former-Post-Master-of-Post-Fiji-accused-of-stealing-cash-amounting-to-17-97255-s9r2k5

 

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

Friday, May 10, 2019

Fair business update / Indonesia creative efforts / Malaysia asset recovery

UNDP Fair Biz in ASEAN Quarterly Newsletter.  Check out UNDP ‘Promoting a Fair Business Environment in ASEAN’ project’s the latest updates for the period of January to April 2019, with highlights in areas of public procurement, business integrity, anti-corruption strategies and judicial integrity.

UNDP: https://mailchi.mp/278f86619685/fairbizinasean?e=e25eae1c8c

 

Fighting corruption in Indonesia with art, music and creativity (Blog).  “Given the positive community feedback from recent TI-Indonesia films and events, in the coming year, TI-Indonesia plans to do more to link popular Indonesian culture with the fight against corruption. If we can make anti-corruption efforts part of daily life, we can make change happen and shake people out of their apathy towards corruption.”

Transparency International Indonesia: https://voices.transparency.org/fighting-corruption-in-indonesia-with-art-music-and-creativity-9bebb802b93

 

Malaysia says United States returned $57m in 1MDB funds.  Malaysia said the US government returned around $57m recovered from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) assets in the "first instalment" of funds to be repatriated under a US kleptocracy asset recovery initiative as the US Department of Justice (DoJ)pursues billions of dollars it says were misappropriated from 1MDB.

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/malaysia-united-states-returned-57m-1mdb-funds-190507045215138.html

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Korean overseas bribery / Malaysia pushes on / Iran president's brother

Hyundai admits bribing Indonesian politician for power plant construction.  A spokesman at Hyundai's headquarters in Seoul said it gave a large sum of money to Cirebon Regent Sunjaya Purwadisastra through a broker to calm protesting residents in the area over the construction of a coal-fired power plant project in West Java.

Jung Min-ho/The Korea Times: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2019/05/693_268175.html

 

Dr M: Pakatan will continue to combat corruption despite decline in support.  Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the Pakatan Harapan government will continue with the agenda to combat corruption, despite the decline in public support for the government and himself.

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/30/dr-m-pakatan-will-continue-to-combat-corruption-despite-decline-in-support/

 

Iran sentences president's brother to prison for corruption.  “A court in Iran has sentenced President Hassan Rouhani's younger brother, who vows to appeal, to an unspecified jail term in a corruption case that supporters of the Iranian leader allege is politically motivated.”

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/iran-sentences-president-brother-prison-corruption-190504193657584.html

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Malaysia NACP dialogue / Indonesia KPK commentary / Thailand-China railway accountability

GIACC discussing National Anti-Corruption Plan with state governments - Abu Kassim.  The National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) is working with state governments on the implementation of National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP); so far, they have had six dialogue sessions with six state governments.

New Straits Times: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/482774/giacc-discussing-national-anti-corruption-plan-state-governments-abu

 

How the (Once) Most Corrupt Country in the World Got Clean(er) (Commentary).  “What else can the KPK teach? Nugroho pointed to three factors that make his organization more effective than many others. First, its independence…Second, its extraordinary powers…The third element is KPK’s willingness to go after targets across the political spectrum.”

Jonah Blank/The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/05/lessons-indonesia-fighting-corruption/588358/

 

Rail deals must have accountability (Opinion).  The lack of transparency and public accountability surrounding the Thailand and China rail plan is likely to pose future questions and problems for a huge infrastructure project Thailand can use, but according to whose terms its people must be the main beneficiary.”

Thitinan Pongsudhirak/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1671068/rail-deals-must-have-accountability

Media fiscal reporting / Follow luxury goods / Finance market development

Fiscal Futures: Media’s Role in Reporting Fiscal Topics is a Matter of Relevance (Blog).  “The lesson for future media reporting about fiscal accountability: make it personal! …Fiscal accountability is an abstract notion that is hard to associate with real tangible impact. However, a lack of fiscal accountability translates into a whole chain of tangible consequences: fiscal mismanagement, austerity, corruption, and poverty, just to name a few. And poverty, for example, does have a face.”

Petra Blum/Transparency and Accountability Initiative: https://www.transparency-initiative.org/blog/4874/fiscal-futures-medias-role-in-reporting-fiscal-topics-is-a-matter-of-relevance/

 

It’s the luxuries that give it away. To fight corruption, follow the goods. (Analysis)  “In countries where paying bribes to government officials to secure government contracts or operating licences is common practice, luxury goods are often used instead of direct monetary payments. Such “gifts” do not leave a transaction trail so are less likely to result in legal action against corrupt officials.”

Reza Tajaddini and Hassan F. Gholipour/The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/its-the-luxuries-that-give-it-away-to-fight-corruption-follow-the-goods-113553

 

Anti-Corruption in Finance Goes Hand-in-Hand With Market Development (Editorial).  “Improving financial services is obviously not just the enlargement of the market scale but is also the improvement of legal compliance with financial market systems and institutions. This necessarily requires timely follow-up and improvement of anti-corruption efforts in the financial sector.”

Caixin Global: https://www.caixinglobal.com/2019-04-30/editorial-anti-corruption-in-finance-goes-hand-in-hand-with-market-development-101410443.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (4 May 2019): Solomon Islands, PNG, Fiji, Kiribati

Pacific media freedom and news ‘black holes’ worsen for World Press Freedom Day. While Pacific countries have got off rather lightly in a major global media freedom report last month with most named countries apparently “improving”, the reality is that politicians are becoming more intolerant and belligerent towards news media and information “black holes” are growing.

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2019/05/03/pacific-media-freedom-and-news-black-holes-worsen-for-world-press-day/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Riots in the Solomon Islands Greet Returned Prime Minister. After the relatively smooth election campaign in the Solomon Islands earlier this month — the first election since the withdrawal of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island (RAMSI) peacekeeping forces — the hope was that the post-election period would be similarly calm.

https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/riots-in-the-solomon-islands-greet-returned-prime-minister/

 

Large pay rise for Solomons MPs labelled outrageous. An anti-corruption body in Solomon Islands says a pay rise for the country's politicians is ridiculous.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018693103/large-pay-rise-for-solomons-mps-labelled-outrageous

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

Move to roll PNG PM threatens $16 billion LNG deal. Moves to oust Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill over claims of financial mismanagement threaten a $16 billion gas deal agreed by Australia’s Oil Search just three weeks ago.

https://www.afr.com/business/energy/gas/move-to-roll-png-pm-threatens-16-billion-lng-deal-20190430-p51imr

 

FIJI:

Former Teacher Faces Charges Involving $108k Fraud. A 44-year old former school teacher facing 147 charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili at the Suva Magistrates Court in yesterday.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/04/30/former-teacher-faces-charges-involving-108k-fraud/

 

KIRIBATI:

Allow media to help shine a light on Pacific issues (Opinion). I’m obviously talking about climate change, but also: commercial development that threatens the environment; the security and financial dangers that come with superpowers jostling for influence; high rates of infectious and non-communicable disease; and there’s the corruption.

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/04/29/551732/allow-media-to-help-shine-a-light-on-pacific-issues

  

  

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

Friday, May 3, 2019

Tax transparency trend / Finance Uncovered journalism / Thailand loan scheme

New Report: Corporate Tax Transparency Becoming the Global Norm.  Titled “Trending Toward Transparency: The Rise of Public Country-by-Country Reporting,” the report highlights the growing support among various sectors of the investing, business, and policymaking communities as well as several enacted and proposed rules around the world to mandate increased disclosures.

Christian Freymeyer/Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition (FACT)https://thefactcoalition.org/new-report-corporate-tax-transparency-becoming-the-global-norm?utm_medium=press/news-releases 

 

Bolstering journalists to uncover corruption (Blog).  “Finance Uncovered’s mission is to deliver intensive and focused training courses that equip journalists with the fundamental skills, tools, and confidence to start investigating corruption, money laundering, and tax abuse.”

Laura Bacon/Luminate: https://luminategroup.com/posts/blog/bolstering-journalists-to-uncover-corruption

 

IVL clinches first green loans from Mizuho.  IVL, a leading polyester manufacturer has clinched Thailand’s first green loans from Japan’s Mizuho Bank, designed as incentive loans with conditions linked to the company’s ESG (environment, social and governance) rating.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1669372/ivl-clinches-first-green-loans-from-mizuho

Thursday, May 2, 2019

BRI anti-corruption cooperation / Malaysia Najib update / Philippines university funds

List of Deliverables of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (Reference).  “The National Commission of Supervision of China signed the MOUs on anti-corruption cooperation with its counterparts of the Philippines and Thailand…[and] China will sponsor the first session of Belt and Road Legal Cooperation Research and Training Program, co-organize a seminar on business integrity and compliance with the World Bank, and hold an anti-corruption seminar for Belt and Road countries.”

Belt and Road Forum: http://www.beltandroadforum.org/english/n100/2019/0427/c36-1312.html

 

Malaysia's High Court dismisses Najib's application to strike out charges, corruption trial to go on.  Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali ruled that the charges against Najib were not structured in a way that could mislead or prejudice him to the point he could not put up a proper defence.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-high-court-dismisses-najibs-application-to-strike-out-charges-corruption

 

COA to La Union state university: Explain ‘diverted’ funds.  The Philippines Commission on Audit (COA) asked a state university in La Union to explain the "diversion" of funds worth approximately US$608,000 meant for textbooks and building maintenance to a cash incentives program for officials and employees.

Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/nation/229202-coa-orders-dmmmsu-la-union-explain-diverted-funds

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

India corruption commentary / Mongolia situation analysis / Cambodia laundering arrests

The government’s anti-corruption scorecard (Commentary).  “…the last five years have seen consistent attacks on anti-corruption laws and institutions [in India]…At the same time, there is no evidence of any check on everyday corruption that impacts the delivery of services to people.

Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri/The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-governments-anti-corruption-scorecard/article26974033.ece  

 

Presidential Power Grab: Corruption and Democratic Backsliding in Mongolia (Blog).  “In the past, Mongolia seemed responsive to external pressure to increase transparency and reduce corruption, and the country has made international commitments to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, and the Open Government Partnership. But Battulga won the presidency on an explicit and nationalist “Mongolia First” platform…suggesting he’s unlikely to bow to any outside censure of his reactionary moves.”

Jason Kohn/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/04/26/presidential-power-grab-corruption-and-democratic-backsliding-in-mongolia/

 

Cambodia charges 3 Chinese with money laundering.  A Cambodian court has charged three Chinese nationals with money laundering after the men were allegedly caught carrying more than $3.5 million without proper provenance for the money, and if successfully charged, the sentence could be 10-20 years in prison.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/1668608/cambodia-charges-3-chinese-with-money-laundering