Doing Business Asia-Pacific / Anti-corruption-human rights compliance / Philippines local procurement

Doing Business 2020: Pace of Business Climate Reforms Slows in East Asia and Pacific Region.  “the region still underperforms in several areas, such as contract enforcement, where there is need for more widespread adoption of international best practices including alternative dispute resolution systems and the creation of specialized commercial courts.”

World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/10/24/doing-business-2020-pace-of-business-climate-reforms-slows-in-east-asia-and-pacific-region

 

Streamlining human rights and anti-corruption compliance (Blog).  “Companies can therefore integrate human rights issues into their compliance system by applying their existing anti-corruption mechanisms, such as risk assessments.”

Mirna Adjami/Basel Institute on Governance: https://www.baselgovernance.org/blog/streamlining-human-rights-and-anti-corruption-compliance

 

On the Road to a Better Procurement System in South Cotabato (Blog).  ““Making the procurement process more open and efficient will improve ease of doing business in South Cotabato, which in turn will attract more bidders to the bidding process,” says Zyra Fastidio from the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

Jolien van der Vaart/Open Government Partnership: https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/on-the-road-to-a-better-procurement-system-in-south-cotabato/

Bangladesh key opposition / Indonesia MLA training / Pakistan FATF report

Bangladesh jails key opposition lawmaker for graft.  The country’s opposition has long complained that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League party — which tightened its grip on power following elections last year — is seeking to muzzle dissent.

The Express Tribune: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2085004/3-bangladesh-jails-key-opposition-lawmaker-graft/

 

ICAR training: Mutual Legal Assistance and the use of offshore structures to conceal beneficial ownership of illicit assets.  Experts from the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) conducted a workshop in Indonesia relating to beneficial ownership, aimed at enhancing capacity to formulate proper Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests in order to follow leads for crucial information held abroad. It focused on securing all critical foreign evidence, and unravelling corporate and trust entities.

Basel Institute on Governance: https://www.baselgovernance.org/news/icar-training-mutual-legal-assistance-and-use-offshore-structures-conceal-beneficial-ownership

 

[Anti-Money Laundering] risks in Pakistan: consequences of the latest FATF report (Blog).  “Being on the [Financial Action Task Force] grey list may have a negative impact on the country’s ability to access international lending instruments and decrease its attractiveness for foreign investments…international financial institutions may apply enhanced due diligence before doing business with Pakistan and conduct enhanced transaction checks during any relationship.”

Kateryna Boguslavska/Basel Institute on Governance: https://www.baselgovernance.org/blog/aml-risks-pakistan-consequences-latest-fatf-report

Law-corruption discourse / Doing Business 2020 / Maldives construction corruption

Corruption: Is the Law Blindsiding a More Meaningful Discourse? (Resource).  “The literature and discussion on bribery and corruption, as well as on the negative impact of each and what is required to address them, particularly in the legal context, are now considerable…How can the work of each discipline contribute to the work of whole and, as such, improve our work in and understanding of anti-corruption?”

Jane Ellis/Tufts University: https://sites.tufts.edu/ihs/corruption-is-the-law-blindsiding-a-more-meaningful-discourse/

 

Doing Business 2020–Sustaining the pace of reforms.  “In general, the 20 top performers have sound business regulation with a high degree of transparency…In addition, where burdensome and protracted regulatory processes exist, the temptation to resort to corruption to get things done may be greater.”

World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/10/24/doing-business-2020-sustaining-the-pace-of-reforms

 

Maldives: Fighting corruption and construction in a tropical paradise (Video).  The Maldives is considered a dream holiday destination for many. But construction is threatening its fragile coral reefs and azure blue lagoons. Some locals are taking a stand against the building boom.

DW: https://www.dw.com/en/maldives-fighting-corruption-and-construction-in-a-tropical-paradise/a-50846951

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (26 October 2019): Fiji, PNG

FIJI:

AG: Rid corruption, plan long term. Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s message to special administrators was simple – plan for long term and curb out corruption.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/10/24/a-g-rid-corruption-plan-long-term/

Woman pleads not guilty to alleged bribery, preventing course of justice. A woman has pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates Court in Suva to multiple counts of bribery and prevention the course of justice.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/10/22/woman-pleads-not-guilty-to-alleged-bribery-preventing-course-of-justice/

 

PNG:

PNG electoral commissioner charged with corruption. Papua New Guinea's electoral commissioner has been arrested and charged with corruption, money laundering and conspiracy.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401420/png-electoral-commissioner-charged-with-corruption

PNG police pursue two high-profile arrests over corruption. Two arrest warrants issued in Papua New Guinea could a be sign that police are starting to make in-roads on high-profile corruption.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018718684/png-police-pursue-two-high-profile-arrests-over-corruption

 

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

Marine Destrez, Anti-Corruption Specialist – Pacific a.i., UNDP, marine.destrez@undp.org

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

IMF Anti-Corruption Challenge / Blockchain finance accountability / Myanmar EITI recommendations

Anti-Corruption Challenge (Funding opportunity).  The IMF Anti-Corruption Challenge where country authorities, relevant civil society organizations, and staff from the IMF and other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) are invited to collaborate and submit solutions to the following challenge: Enhancing Governance in Public Finance, Promoting Good Governance in Central Banks, Financial Disclosure Systems for Public Officials, Use of Data for Financial Intelligence, etc.

Deadline for proposals: 6 December 2019

International Monetary Fund: https://imfilab.brightidea.com/Anticorruption

 

EY launches blockchain tool to help bring accountability to public finances.  Ernst & Young’s “blockchain-enabled” EY OpsChain Public Finance Manager will compare government spending programs with the results of the expenditure, even when the money has passed through different layers of government and public service agencies.

Daniel Palmer/Coindesk: https://www.coindesk.com/ey-launches-blockchain-tool-to-help-bring-accountability-to-public-finances

 

EITI urges Myanmar to improve civil society participation, state firm transparency.  The EITI [Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative] board, convening in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, commended the “meaningful progress” Myanmar has secured in “introducing policy reforms, improving transparency in extractives data, stimulating robust public debate and creating a platform for dialogue among stakeholders.”

John Liu/Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/eiti-urges-myanmar-improve-civil-society-participation-state-firm-transparency.html

Indonesia policy reflections / Transnational bribery regulation / China lenient case

Indonesia's Jokowi needs to boost fight against corruption, not hinder it (Opinion).  “It is better to address the criticism it faces, including overly lengthy investigations, to find a happy medium between probes and efficiency. This is a moment for Jakarta to reassure investors and companies, not give them reasons to pivot to Malaysia or Vietnam.”

William Pesek/Nikkei Asian Review:  https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Indonesia-s-Jokowi-needs-to-boost-fight-against-corruption-not-hinder-it

 

New Podcast Episode, Featuring Kevin Davis (Blog/Podcast).  Professor Kevin Davis, of the New York University Law School, talks about his new book, Between Impunity and Imperialism: The Regulation of Transnational Bribery.

The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/10/15/new-podcast-episode-featuring-kevin-davis/

 

The curious corruption case of China’s former securities chief Liu Shiyu and his lenient treatment.  “In a statement by the National Supervisory Commission (NSC), the anti-corruption super body, investigators said Liu was guilty of receiving gifts and money in return for favourable decisions during his work… but because he cooperated with the investigation by surrendering to authorities and confessing to his violations, he was shown leniency”

Jun Mai/South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3033774/curious-corruption-case-chinas-former-securities-chief-liu

Malaysia future vision / Quantifying grand corruption / Better blended finance

GIACC bent on erasing Malaysia’s kleptocrat label.  “Speaking to Bernama in an interview here, Anis Yusal said according to data from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, more than 60% of corruption cases involved the public services sector. And, almost 42% of this sector’s cases involved public procurement.”

The Sun Daily: https://www.thesundaily.my/local/giacc-bent-on-erasing-malaysia-s-kleptocrat-label-FJ1487777

 

Plundering the future: Why the IMF must quantify grand corruption (Blog).  “If the IMF wishes to make a difference in the lives of people around the world, it must undertake two analyses that would change the conversation on grand corruption. First…an annual assessment of grand corruption in all countries and publish the dollar value of that analysis… Second…an opportunity cost analysis of the stolen assets.”

Tom Cardamone and Maureen Heydt: https://gfintegrity.org/plundering-the-future-why-the-imf-must-quantify-grand-corruption/

 

Better blending: How the world bank can promote transparency in financing sustainable development.  “Ultimately, blended finance provides an innovative set of tools that could bring in billions of dollars from the private sector to help achieve the SDGs. Establishing greater transparency and accountability can encourage more, and better, private investment in low- and middle-income countries, and instill greater confidence in donors, beneficiaries and private investors.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/better_blending_how_the_world_bank_can_promote_transparency_in_financing_su

Bhutan-Sri Lanka experiences exchange / Thailand Defence ministry / Corruption spoils food

Sharing the ACC’s experiences to the counterpart agency of Sri Lanka.  Bhutan’s Anti-Corruption Commission’s week-long visit to was initiated upon the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to share its experiences including on education & awareness strategy and the programs; prevention and mainstreaming strategy; preventive tools such as declaration and management of Gifts, Assets, and Conflict of Interests; complaints management and disposal system; and techniques on investigation and case management, among others.

Anti-Corruption Commission [of Bhutan]: https://www.acc.org.bt/?q=node/2117

 

Defence 'least transparent'.  Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)'s annual Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) ranked the Defence Ministry as the least transparent state agency.

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1774429/defence-least-transparent

 

Rotten deals — how corruption spoils our food (Blog).  “Corruption can affect the supply chain in many ways, and often impedes people’s access to proper food. Strong government institutions are a first step to avoid this, but integrity in global supply chains is the responsibility of private sector companies, too.”

Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/rotten-deals-how-corruption-spoils-our-food-d95308c553c7

Company ownership standards / Indonesia new bill / UNODC July-September newsletter

Who is behind the wheel? Fixing the global standards on company ownership (Resource).  Analysis of country evaluations issued by global anti-money laundering regulator, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), shows that poor performance is strongly linked to a reliance on data held by banks.

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/who_is_behind_the_wheel_fixing_the_global_standards_on_company_ownership

 

Indonesia's anti-graft Bill ushered in after deadly protests.  A controversial law critics say would weaken Indonesia's anti-corruption agency came into effect Thursday (Oct 17) after it sparked nationwide protests that left at least three students dead and scores injured.

Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/indonesia-anti-corruption-bill-law-comes-into-effect-12009828

 

UNODC Anti-Corruption Newsletter South and Southeast Asia.  Check out the work done by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes on anti-corruption between July and September.

UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/topics/anti-corruption/UNODC_AC_Newsletter_Q3_2019.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (19 October 2019): PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands

PNG:

PNG Cabinet endorses bill for anti-corruption commission. Papua New Guinea's Cabinet has reportedly approved legislation to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401004/png-cabinet-endorses-bill-for-anti-corruption-commission

Papua New Guinea police seek to arrest ex-PM over 'corruption'. Papua New Guinea (PNG) police have issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on suspicion of “official corruption” but he was refusing to cooperate, authorities said. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/papua-guinea-police-seek-arrest-pm-corruption-191015074632756.html

Mismanagement costing billions and destroying PNG’s economy. The best way for PNG to increase economic growth and boost the size of the economy is for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to tackle corruption.

https://postcourier.com.pg/mismanagement-costing-billions-and-destroying-pngs-economy/

 

FIJI:

Former USP Vice Chancellor ‘violated’ norms, say staff and students. University of the South Pacific staff and students have released a rebuttal to former Vice Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra’s claim that he has been “vindicated” from any wrong-doing during his tenure at the university.

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2019/10/14/former-usp-vice-chancellor-violated-norms-say-staff-and-students/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

China Is Leasing an Entire Pacific Island. Its Residents Are Shocked. “What worries me much more about the new Chinese engagement, be it political or economic, in the Pacific is the way in which this engagement is taking place, being lubricated by elite capture and corruption,” said Jonathan Pryke, a Pacific islands expert with the Lowy Institute in Sydney. Though patronage and corruption have long been a challenge, he added, “this engagement has certainly taken it to a whole new level.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/world/australia/china-tulagi-solomon-islands-pacific.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

Marine Destrez, Anti-Corruption Specialist – Pacific a.i., UNDP, marine.destrez@undp.org

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

Myanmar oil-gas bill / Philippines top police / Republic of Korea justice minister

Myanmar’s draft oil and gas bill jeopardises next bidding round.  In addition to the confusion, the draft law is a missed opportunity to reform the industry and improve its governance and transparency.

Thompson Chau/Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmars-draft-oil-and-gas-bill-jeopardises-next-bidding-round.html

 

Top enforcer of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war steps down amid corruption allegations.  The Philippines' top police officer and chief enforcer of President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal drug war stepped down amid allegations that he harboured a number of corrupt policemen under his watch six years ago.

Raul Dancel/The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/top-enforcer-of-philippine-president-rodrigo-dutertes-drug-war-steps-down-amid

 

South Korea's justice minister quits amid corruption allegations.  South Korea's newly appointed Justice Minister Cho Kuk, amid a prosecution investigation into his family's financial investments and his children's' university admission which had fuelled protests in recent weeks, has announced that he is stepping down, after little more than a month in the job.

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/south-korea-justice-minister-quits-corruption-allegations-191014051453218.html

Indonesia better cabinet / India RTI enforcement / Malaysia 1MDB progress

Wanted: Better Cabinet.  “From a worsening security and political situation in Papua to forest fires and student protests against the amendment of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law, the President has not only had to stave off resistance and opposition from the public but also from his own ruling coalition.”

The Jakarta Post:  https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2019/10/14/wanted-better-cabinet.html?src=mostviewed&pg=academia/2019/10/14/wanted-better-cabinet.html

 

Zero Transparency In Uttar Pradesh? No RTI Reports Published In 14 Years, Shows Study.  India’sUttar Pradesh has not published a single report mandatory under the Right To Information or RTI Act since the transparency law came into being in 2005. In contrast, Chhattisgarh is the only state which brought out all its yearly reports,

NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rti-report-2019-zero-transparency-in-uttar-pradesh-no-rti-reports-published-in-14-years-says-transpa-2115592

 

Mother of all scams coming to light in Malaysia.  “While court hearings expose the extent of 1MDB corruption, authorities move to prevent a repeat of the massive scandal”

Nile Bowie/Asia Times: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/10/article/mother-of-all-scams-coming-to-light-in-malaysia/

Business anti-corruption contribution / TI School reflections / Managing corruption risk

How can the private sector contribute to anti-corruption? (Video).  Manisha Dogra, VP Sustainability for Asia at Telenor, talks about how responsible business conduct is part of her company's business strategy.

United Nations Development Programme on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/undp-in-asia-and-the-pacific_fairbiz4prosperity-corruption-telenor-activity-6582836839919431680-1OOY/

 

Problems in Procurement: Reflections from the Transparency International School on Integrity (Blog).  “It is evident that poor procurement has far-reaching consequences and it is clearly necessary to continue to strive to improve its processes at all stages, reducing cost and waste — from the initial assessment stage to the completion of the agreed contract.”

Joseph Moore/Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/problems-in-procurement-reflections-from-the-transparency-international-school-on-integrity-fe89036fdd32

 

How can you protect you and your firm from bribery and corruption? (Opinion).  “Managing bribery and corruption risk is a balance of culture and controls. Culture to set the tone of what behaviour is expected and systems and controls to manage the risk, such as carrying out due diligence on third parties.”

Simone Jones/Financier Worldwide: https://www.financierworldwide.com/how-can-you-protect-you-and-your-firm-from-bribery-and-corruption#.XZ71WUZKg2w

Mongolia open data / Bangladesh hunger strike / Iran systemic corruption

Using open data to expose corruption in Mongolia (Blog).  “Nepotism in the awarding of government loans stripped many enterprises of their chances to develop and grow. Access to public information helped uncover the scheme and hold those involved accountable.”

Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/using-open-data-to-expose-corruption-in-mongolia-db9a5fa65913 

 

Hunger strike in front of ACC office against corruption and looting.  ““Bangladesh against Corruption and Looting” organized the program in front of Anti-Corruption Commission office (ACC) in the city’s Segun Bagicha, demanding to bring the big fishes under trial.

Mehedi Al Amin/Dhaka Tribune: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2019/10/06/hunger-strike-in-front-of-acc-office-against-corruption-and-looting

 

Iran's conservatives are saying it: Corruption is 'systemic' (Opinion).  “In autocratic systems, every now and then, a campaign emerges under the banner of fighting corruption. The main reason is to buy legitimacy for the system.”

Shahir Shahidsaless/Middle East Eye: https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/whats-behind-irans-crackdown-corruption

Fake news implications / Understanding social norms / Philippines case dismissed

Fighting corruption in the age of “fake news”.  “Fake news is unlikely to incapacitate anti-corruption efforts, but given its effect on undermining independent media and devaluing corruption allegations, it should be taken seriously by anti-corruption players.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/fighting_corruption_in_the_age_of_fake_news

 

Understanding Social Norms: A Reference Guide for Policy and Practice (Resource).  A product of the Corruption, Justice and Legitimacy Project, this Reference Guide is a comprehensive exploration of the role social norms play in endemic corruption in fragile states.

Cheyanne Scharbatke-Church and Diana Chigas/Tufts University: https://sites.tufts.edu/ihs/social-norms-reference-guide/?src=social

 

Philippine graft court hands former president Marcos' family another win.  In ruling for Imelda Marcos, the special anti-graft court chastised government lawyers for their "unjustified" absence at court hearings and for submitting "mere photocopies" of documentary evidence that the judge rejected.

Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/philippine-graft-court-hands-former-president-marcos-family-11982270

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (12 October 2019): PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu

PNG:

Call for more aid as PNG faces corruption crisis. A review of Australia’s annual $578m aid program in Papua New Guinea has warned law and order is deteriorating, corruption remains rife, and “weak” governance continues to hamper basic service ¬delivery beyond the capital, Port Moresby.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/call-for-more-aid-as-png-faces-corruption-crisis/news-story/fb87d04bb6132d804098b585c81cf4a7

 

FIJI:

Former clerk denies corruption charges. A former finance clerk with iTaukei Land Trust Board pleaded not guilty to corruption-related charges.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/former-clerk-denies-corruption-charges/  

 

VANUATU:

How selling citizenship is now big business. A Vanuatu passport, a private businessman explains, is "so fast" to arrange (you can get one in just 30 days), and that helps make it a popular choice. But others caution that Vanuatu has a reputation for corruption.

 

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

Marine Destrez, Anti-Corruption Specialist – Pacific a.i., UNDP, marine.destrez@undp.org

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

 

Collective Action funding / Japan receiving gifts / Malaysia 1MDB fine

New DFID Fund to Support Collective Action Initiatives (Funding opportunity).  “This £250,000 fund will support business-focused Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs) which aim to reduce corruption or promote human rights to improve the investment climate in emerging markets and developing countries.”

Deadline for proposals: 18 October 2019

IMC Worldwide: http://www.imcworldwide.com/news/new-dfid-fund-to-support-collective-action-initiatives/

 

After criticism, Kansai Electric weighs rules on executive punishment amid gift scandal.  Kansai Electric Power Co. is considering introducing rules on punishments for executives following criticism of its leniency in the way six of them were reprimanded for receiving gifts from a former town official.

The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/08/national/kansai-electric-rules-executive-punishment-gift-scandal-nuclear/#.XZ5Sc0ZKg2w

 

Malaysia Fines 80 People, Groups for Alleged 1MDB Payments.  Malaysia's anti-graft agency ordered 80 people and groups to pay fines totaling about $100 million for allegedly receiving funds from the 1MDB state investment fund.

US News: https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2019-10-07/malaysia-fines-80-people-groups-for-alleged-1mdb-payments

Bangladesh politician snared / Thailand judicial independence / Sri Lanka sports corruption

Top Bangladesh politician snared in anti-corruption crackdown.  The high-profile head of the Dhaka youth wing of Hasina’s Awami League party, Ismail Hossain Samrat, was arrested with one of his associates, Bangladesh’s elite security force said, for using his political influence to run a network of illegal casinos and extortion rackets.

Malay Mail:  https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2019/10/06/top-bangladesh-politician-snared-in-anti-corruption-crackdown/1797729

 

Judge’s protest by attempted suicide shakes judicial authority.  “Thailand’s courts find themselves under intense scrutiny Friday after a judge shot himself to protest alleged interference in a trial that would have sent five men to death row.”

Teeranai Charuvastra/Khaosod English:  http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2019/10/04/judges-protest-by-attempted-suicide-shakes-judicial-authority/

 

Cabinet gives approval for amended Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Bill.  Sri Lanka’sCabinet gave approval for an amended Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Bill, which deals comprehensively with match-fixing, corruption, illegal manipulation, and illegal betting in sports, to be presented to Parliament.

Daily FT: http://www.ft.lk/sports/Cabinet-gives-approval-for-amended-Prevention-of-Offences-Relating-to-Sports-Bill/23-687130

Thailand hosts SEA-PAC / Indonesia youth corruption / Singapore airport bribery

15th South East Asia Parties Against Corruption (SEA-PAC) Principals Meeting.  The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (ONACC) will host the 15th SEA-PAC Principals Meeting between 8-10 October 2019. This year, the ten ASEAN anti-corruption agencies will meet in Bangkok to discuss greater cooperation in all dimensions. 

For more information on ONACC’s work: https://www.nacc.go.th/main.php?filename=index_en

Thank you to Alisa Rukbankerd, the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand for sharing this article.

 

Young faces of graft: Better prevention campaigns needed (Opinion).  “The youth, many assume, are far less prone to corruption. Yet data of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) show that, as of 2018, 75 people being processed by the commission were 20 to 40 years of age.”

Alvin Nicola/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2019/10/04/young-faces-of-graft-better-prevention-campaigns-needed.html 

 

To ship gold to India, man bribed Changi Airport logistics worker to under-report baggage weight.  Gopal offered to give Patel sums of money and treat him to meals, and Patel agreed to the arrangement. They kept in contact by phone, with Patel informing Gopal of the specific check-in counter to go to, so he could carry out the under-reporting of baggage weight.

Lydia Lam/Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/changi-airport-bribe-gold-india-baggage-weight-tigerair-11925688

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (5 October 2019): PNG, Solomon Islands, Fiji

PNG:

Our Right to Know, Their Duty to Tell (Report/Resource).  Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) report on the current status of Access to Public Information, covering 24 State Agencies in PNG and recommends both Policy Reforms and Legislation to address the lack of a RTI framework in the country. A stark finding was that over 90% of State agencies surveyed were unable to give public documents when requested over the counter, yet these same documents were already available online for 54% of the agencies.

https://www.transparencypng.org.pg/our-right-to-know-their-duty-to-tell/

Distrust growing within gov agencies – TIPNG.  The TIPNG Right to Information report outlined, among other things, how the lack of defined policy mechanisms in a majority of government agencies tested has bred a culture of secrecy among them.

https://postcourier.com.pg/distrust-growing-within-govt-agencies-tipng/

Thank you to Mr. Yuambari Haihuie, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Transparency International PNG for sharing the links above.

 

Businessman Lauds PM’s speech on promoting PNG’s natural resources. The Prime Minister James Marape’s UN speech delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Soroi Eoe at the 74th UN General Assembly is a mission statement.

https://postcourier.com.pg/businessman-lauds-pms-speech-on-promoting-pngs-natural-resources/

PNG minister determined for police reforms. Mr Kramer told Johnny Blades that he aims to reverse the ill-discipline, corruption and politicisation of the force that has built up over the years.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018715573/png-minister-determined-for-police-reforms  

PNG Businessman arrested and charged for misusing public funds. Papua New Guinea  National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate arrested and charged Managing Director for Rural Links Limited Mr. Kevin Atkinson Guba aged 48 of Ewore village, Sohe District, Oro Province.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2019/10/png-businessman-arrested-and-charged.html

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Fujiyama told to step down. “He has been involving in corruption and fraudulent activities in our NOCSI and national federation’s level,” they claimed in the letter.

https://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/sports/national/item/22037-fujiyama-told-to-step-down

 

FIJI:

Trio facing fraud-related charges against FNPF granted bail. Three men charged with multiple courts of fraud related offences against the Fiji National Provident Fund were granted bail by the Magistrates Court in Suva.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/10/01/trio-facing-fraud-related-charges-against-fnpf-granted-bail/

 

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

Marine Destrez, Anti-Corruption Specialist – Pacific a.i., UNDP, marine.destrez@undp.org 

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

Anti-corruption law revisions / Ericsson FCPA fines / Iran President's brother

Revise graft laws from time to time (Opinion).  “…the best corruption law will not stay the best for long. It will have to be reviewed so that it is able to sustain its deterrent effect on the bribers and the corrupt.”

Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar/New Straits Times:   https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2019/09/525434/revise-graft-laws-time-time

 

Ericsson Expects to Pay $1 Billion in U.S. Corruption Probes.  Ericsson AB said it expects to pay $1 billion to resolve investigations by U.S. authorities into business ethics breaches in six countries, including China, Indonesia, and Viet Nam amongst others, in one of the costliest corruption cases on record.

Dave McCombs and Niklas Magnusson/Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-25/ericsson-prepared-to-pay-1-billion-to-resolve-u-s-probes

 

Iranian President’s brother sentenced to 5 years for corruption.  The brother of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been sentenced to five years in prison for corruption and bribery. Gholamhossein Esmaili, a spokesman for the judiciary, told reporters that Hossein Fereidoun, Rouhani's brother, might face further charges in another case, though he gave no details.

Voice of America: https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/iranian-presidents-brother-sentenced-5-years-corruption

Indonesia KPK case / China's corrupt meritocracy / Malaysia SPV 2030

Indonesian Anticorruption Institutions at Risk, Part 1: The Significance of the KPK’s First Acquittal (Blog).  “An important precursor to [recent] events was the KPK’s first loss in court. Until this past July, the KPK had not, since its establishment in 2003, lost any of the hundreds of cases it had brought to full trial.”

Simon Butt/The Global Anticorruption Blog:  https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/10/02/guest-post-indonesian-anticorruption-institutions-at-risk-part-1-the-significance-of-the-kpks-first-acquittal/ 

 

China’s Corrupt Meritocracy (Opinion).  “What both camps fail to grasp is the symbiotic relationship between corruption and performance in China’s fiercely competitive political system.”

Yuen Yuen Ang/Project Syndicate: https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/china-corrupt-meritocracy-by-yuen-yuen-ang-2019-10

 

‘Corruption and abuse must stop’.  “The government intends to hit the ground running with Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030) and will not hesitate to “amputate the cancerous limbs” of corruption and abuse of power which had failed past policies, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.”

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/06/corruption-and-abuse-must-stop 

Universal Health Coverage / Barclays Asia-Pacific hiring / Japan electricity execs

Corruption: A neglected obstacle to achieving UHC.  “According to…Transparency International, corruption in the health care industry “kills an estimated 140,000 children a year, fuels the global rise in anti-microbial resistance, and hinders the fight against HIV/AIDS and other diseases.” In total, the report links corruption to annual losses of more than $500 billion, which it notes is more than it would cost to bring about UHC worldwide.”

Malia Politzer/Devex: https://www.devex.com/news/corruption-a-neglected-obstacle-to-achieving-uhc-95603 

 

Barclays pays SEC $6.3 million to settle ‘referral hiring’ FCPA violations.  Barclays PLC paid the SEC $6.3 million to settle US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act offenses related to the hiring of relatives of public officials in Asia. From at least 2009 until August 2013, businesses within Barclays Asia Pacific Region (APAC) hired 117 job candidates referred by or connected to foreign government officials or non-government clients.

Harry Cassin/The FCPA Blog: https://www.fcpablog.com/blog/2019/9/27/barclays-pays-sec-63-million-to-settle-referral-hiring-fcpa.html

 

Kansai Electric to disclose names of 20 executives involved in Fukui nuclear scandal.  “Kansai Electric Power Co. plans to disclose the names of 20 executives who received money and goods from a former deputy mayor of a town that hosted one of its nuclear plants… the company is also expected to discuss its plans to set up an investigation panel to check whether similar cases exist in departments other than those related to nuclear power plants, sources familiar with the matter said.”

The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/09/30/national/kansai-electric-20-executives-fukui-nuclear-scandal-corruption/#.XZRwLkYzY2w

Transparent procurement systems / Viet Nam new regulations / Myanmar business ease

Transparent procurement systems: good for the public, the private sector and the SDGs (Blog).  “To achieve the ambitious task of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, our procurement systems must become ever more transparent and accountable.”

CoST: http://infrastructuretransparency.org/news/transparent-procurement-systems-better-for-business-and-communities-alike/

 

Vietnam Issues New Regulations Implementing Its Anti-corruption Law, Effective 15 August 2019.  “Although the provisions in the New Regulations pertaining to gifts do not impose affirmative obligations on gift givers in the private sector, such regulations are important to keep in view because a gift given to a public official will have to be disclosed by the official if it was given for an unlawful purpose.”

Jeff Olson/Conventus Law: http://www.conventuslaw.com/report/vietnam-issues-new-regulations-implementing-its/

 

Myanmar Among World Bank’s Top 20 for Business Ease Improvements.  “…a new company law is also strengthening minority investor protection by mandating greater disclosure of transactions with interested parties, increasing director liability and requiring greater corporate transparency.”

Nan Lwin/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-among-world-banks-top-20-business-ease-improvements.html 

Indonesia reform setbacks / Afghanistan elections atmosphere / Philippines political dynasties

Reform setbacks, not KPK, can hamper investment.  Although in the short-term the controversial bills and reform setbacks are likely to have little direct impact on investment, in the longer run they will create an unfavorable business climate that increases the risk related to investing in Indonesia, from regulatory uncertainty to a deteriorating democracy.

Esther Samboh/The Jakarta Post:  https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2019/09/27/reform-setbacks-not-kpk-can-hamper-investment.html 

 

With Vote Over, Afghanistan Faces Possible Political Chaos.  Before the polls, the U.S. issued stiff warnings against fraud and even seemed to take direct aim at Ghani's government refusing to pay more than $160 million in aid projects directly to the government saying it was too corrupt.

Kathy Gannon/NBC Washington: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/Vote-Afghanistan-Possible-Political-Chaos-561720531.html 

 

Political dynasties, democratic decay in Philippines (Opinion).  “The reality now is that many local communities in the Philippines continue to suffer inept and corrupt dynastic leaders because those who can push for reforms but do not have the inherited political advantage are in effect denied the right to run for public office because of the monarchical nature of local politics.”

Michael Henry Yusingco/Asia Times: https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/09/opinion/political-dynasties-democratic-decay-in-philippines/

Right to information / IMF programmes' effect / Indonesia law reconsidered

Real lives, real stories: The Power of Information in Asia Pacific (Resource).  “In this publication, we focus on the people who make right to information laws come to life, and who use them as tools to fight corruption. In the following pages, you will find the stories of citizens from 10 countries across the Asia Pacific region who have used their right to information to demand accountability from their governments.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/real_lives_real_stories_the_power_of_information_in_asia_pacific

 

How IMF programmes can increase corruption (Opinion).  “But the IMF also needs to avoid mandating policy reforms that weaken state institutions. And it must find ways to compensate for losses of privileges incurred by powerful interest groups. Otherwise, corruption will thrive.”

Bernhard Reinsberg and Thomas Stubbs/The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/how-imf-programmes-can-increase-corruption-123718

 

After protests, Indonesia president considers dropping anti-graft law.  Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he is considering revoking a new law governing the country's anti-corruption agency, which has alarmed activists and helped drive the biggest student protests in decades.

Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/indonesia-protests-joko-widodo-anti-corruption-law-11946974