Malaysia immigration anti-corruption / Pakistan civil service perception / Nepal graft cases claims

Technology vs corruption.  “We have developed several online services…We have also introduced e-payment facilities for our services…By doing this, there will no longer be incidents of “kehilangan wang awam” (loss of public money) when a certain amount of cash goes missing…Also, by introducing the MyTravelPass (a single window system to manage entrance and exit applications) we have managed to reduce the discretionary power of immigration officers, hence closing off another possible avenue of power abuse.”

Mazwin Nik Anis/The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/focus/2020/12/27/technology-vs-corruption  

 

Public perception about civil service (Opinion).  “The public feels that [Pakistan’s] civil service is corrupt; breeds a culture of non-responsiveness, apathy, elitism and arrogance; and enjoys excessive perks in the form of official vehicles, palatial residences and unlimited allowances.”

Hasaan Khawar/The Express Tribune: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2276908/1   

 

CIAA claimed Rs 2.53 billion from defendants of graft cases in 2019-20.  “[Nepal’s] Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed as many as 441 chargesheets against 1,212 persons, mostly public office holders, at the Special Court, claiming around Rs 2.53 billion [approx. USD 21.5 mil] in question from them in the fiscal 2019-20.”

The Himalayan Times: https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/ciaa-claimed-rs-2-53-billion-from-defendants-of-graft-cases-in-2019-20/  

Myanmar corporate transparency / Samsung compliance review / Climate targets hindrance

Overall corporate transparency in Myanmar improves in 2020, report says.  "While corporate governance and transparency in Myanmar has improved for the private sector this year compared to 2019, conditions at State-Owned Economic Enterprises (SEE) have yet to make similar progress, according to the Pwint Thit Sa Report 2020 issued by the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB)."

Salai Tun Tun/Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/overall-corporate-transparency-myanmar-improves-2020-report-says.html  

 

Samsung's compliance body receives 'constructive review'.  "Samsung's self-created compliance committee received a constructive review from a court advisory panel…[recognizing] its effectiveness as a watchdog in ensuring the country's top conglomerate abided by the law and improved group-wide management transparency.As the group's leader Lee Jae-yong is undergoing a high court re-hearing over a bribery scandal involving [the Republic of Korea's] jailed former president Park, it remains to be seen whether the group's efforts to be as transparent as possible will affect the ruling."

Baek Byung-yeul/The Korea Times: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/12/133_301178.html  

 

Paris Agreement climate targets are being missed because of corruption (Blog).  "Governments, and international and multilateral organisations, are making a green recovery part of their plans for post-COVID-19. But in order to save the planet, corruption must be addressed, as the two are inextricably linked…[As] political interference and the undue influence of oil and gas companies weakens institutions and governance processes put in place to mitigate climate change. "

Brice Böhmer/Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/paris-agreement-climate-targets-corruption

Indonesia cabinet reshuffle / India CBI manual update / Myanmar systemic corruption

Amid Corruption and COVID-19, Jokowi Shakes Up Indonesia’s Cabinet.  “Four ministers were fired and two others were rotated to more important positions, ending weeks of speculation about possible changes to the cabinet line-up…The reshuffle also replaced two ministers arrested recently for corruption.”

Sebastian Strangio/The Diplomat: https://thediplomat.com/2020/12/amid-corruption-and-covid-19-jokowi-shakes-up-indonesias-cabinet/  

 

CBI to finish majority of its corruption probes in nine months.  “The [Indian] Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to complete the majority of its probes under Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act within a maximum of nine months, according to the latest Crime Manual of the agency, updated after 15 years.”

Neeraj Chauhan/The Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-to-finish-majority-of-its-corruption-probes-in-nine-months/story-qhmjgzg0vi1pS6YK5unUkK.html  

 

Nodes of Corruption, Lines of Abuse (Report). “Justice For Myanmar’s detailed investigation into the Myanmar military’s systemic corruption within the information and communications sector has uncovered public asset theft, exposed new military procurement networks and revealed the global network of businesses complicit in enabling the Myanmar military to continue to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

Justice for Myanmar: https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/nodes-of-corruption-lines-of-abuse-how-mytel-viettel-and-a-global-network-of-businesses-support-the-international-crimes-of-the-myanmar-military

IMF transparency measures / Bangladesh climate change investments / Republic of Korea president approval rating

A Covid-19 Checkup: How the IMF’s Transparency Measures Have Fared So Far (Blog).  “In short, it seems that the IMF—in part due to the prodding and pressure from civil society—has struck roughly the right balance between speed and transparency. Now that Covid vaccinination has begun, anticorruption officials ought to turn towards making sure the IMF checks the receipts that countries have been told to so diligently keep and works with countries to return to their pre-pandemic budgeting practices.”

Clay Hackney/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/12/18/a-covid-19-checkup-how-the-imfs-transparency-measures-have-fared-so-far/  

 

Climate change investments in Bangladesh: leveraging dual-use characteristics as an anti-corruption tool (Working Paper).  “corruption has not affected all climate change projects equally or in the same way, even when implemented by the same agency, funded by the same funder, and therefore with identical formal governance arrangements. In this paper, we show that the effectiveness of monitoring by local communities plays an important role in explaining these differences.”

Mushtaq Khan et al./SOAS-ACE: https://ace.soas.ac.uk/publication/climate-change-investments-in-bangladesh/  

 

Moon's approval rating rebounds from record low: Realmeter.  “An analyst at Realmeter assessed that the latest rebound may have been driven by [the Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in's] strengthened message in key issues, such as the parliamentary passage of a law facilitating the launch of a high-profile corruption investigation body, the state response against the resurgence of COVID-19 and on the the political feud between Choo and Yoon.”

The Korea Herald: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20201221000606  

Myanmar infrastructure risks / Viet Nam anti-corruption wins trust / Public procurement-open ownership

MDBs in Myanmar: risk regulators on complex infrastructure projects? (Blog).  “Considering the context of Myanmar, which is a new and weak democracy within a corruption-prone landscape, risk mitigation based on an awareness of the local political economy is essential. MDBs must take on a more engaged “risk regulator” role rather than leave responsibility to the government.”

Sayuri Ichikawa and Rual Thang/New Mandala: https://www.newmandala.org/mdbs-in-myanmar-risk-regulators-on-complex-infrastructure-projects/  

 

Vietnam’s Communists brace for next 5 years after big 2020. “‘While the Vietnamese economy is basically stable, the party has gained more trust from citizens thanks to positive results from the anti-corruption campaign and reshuffle of the party,’ said the 76-year-old Trong, who is party general secretary, as well as Vietnam's president and controls the armed forces as secretary of the Central Military Commission.”

Tomoya Onishi/Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Asia-Insight/Vietnam-s-Communists-brace-for-next-5-years-after-big-2020   

 

Transforming procurement systems, one prototype at a time (Blog). “For this project, [Open Ownership] has built on Bluetail, a prototype system that uses [beneficial ownership (BO)], procurement, and politically exposed person (PEP) data to automatically flag corruption risks in tenders. The aim for this project is to understand the benefits of using these prototypes in our target countries, whilst making the case for the standardisation of BO data.”

Steve Day/Open Ownership: https://www.openownership.org/blogs/tps-prototyping/    

Malaysia anti-corruption recommendations / Indonesia possible cabinet reshuffle / Nepal medical procurement

Rooting Out Corruption in Malaysia (Op-Ed).  “The following policy recommendations by the C4 and fully endorsed by EMIR Research for the Perikatan Nasional government under Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin are as follows, namely: (a) the necessity to revive and table the Government Procurement Bill by early next year; and (b) that the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) be empowered and authorised to monitor and call out those that delay the implementation of the [National Anti-Corruption Plan.”

Jason Loh/The ASEAN Post: https://theaseanpost.com/article/rooting-out-corruption-malaysia  

 

Cabinet shake-up on table amid graft, virus failures.  “[Indonesia’s] President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo may now be more inclined to reshuffle his Cabinet – a threat he has been using to spur miniters into action since late June – following his administration’s lackluster pandemic response and the arrest of two of his minister [on graft charges], experts have said.”

Marchio Irfan Gorbiano and Rizki Fachriansyah/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/12/20/cabinet-shake-up-on-table-amid-graft-virus-failures.html   

 

‘Corrupt’ CIAA tasked with probing Covid corruption.  “Nine months after reports surfaced of the massive corruption involved in procuring medical equipment from China, the Public Account Committee...[directed Nepal’s Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA)] to take action against the officials who were involved in misusing the Covid-19 coffers.”

The Record Nepal: https://www.recordnepal.com/wire/features/corrupt-ciaa-tasked-with-probing-covid-corruption/  

Thank you to Narayan Manandhar for sharing this news.

Corruption impacts healthcare / Myanmar ACC complaints / Tackling infrastructure corruption

The Ignored Pandemic Behind COVID-19: the Impact of Corruption on Healthcare Service Delivery (Publication).  “This paper brings together worldwide evidence of six key corruption manifestations at the point of service delivery: informal payments from patients; embezzlement and theft; absenteeism; corrupt service provision activities, such as overcharging and false treatment reimbursement claims; favouritism; and manipulation of data.”

Transparency International: http://ti-health.org/content/corruption-covid-19-coronavirus-health-delivery/

 

Anti-Corruption Commission receives over 5,000 complaint letters as of November 2020.  “Myanmar Anti-Corruption Commission received more than 5,000 complaint letters in eleven months of 2020, which is the lowest number of letters in three years…the anti-corruption commission received 10,543 complaint letters in 2018 and 9,394 letters in 2019 across the country.”

The Global New Light of Myanmar: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/anti-corruption-commission-receives-over-5000-complaint-letters-as-of-november-2020/  

 

As countries sit on shaky foundations, tackling corruption in infrastructure is key (Blog).  “We present three case study examples of strategies to mitigate corruption risks…First, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (CoST) offers a multi-stakeholder approach to strengthening governance in the infrastructure sector through improved transparency, stakeholder engagement and accountability…Second, Public-private partnership (PPP) renegotiation of infrastructure projects…The third case examines…Open Contracting”

Ian Hawkesworth/World Bank: https://blogs.worldbank.org/governance/countries-sit-shaky-foundations-tackling-corruption-infrastructure-key  

Indonesia sovereign fund / Thailand stimulus probed / Myanmar extractives contracts

After 1MDB scandal, investors view Indonesia’s new fund warily.  “To attract investors to its new sovereign fund, Indonesia needs to show governance protocols are airtight, analysts say… Nusantara Investment Authority will take lessons from other sovereign wealth funds and adopt a framework based on independence, transparency and accountability, said Isa Rachmatarwata, the finance ministry’s director general of state assets”

 

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/12/15/post-1mdb-scandal-indonesias-new-fund-to-highlight-transparency

 

Co-pay scheme probed for graft.  “The [Thai] Finance Ministry is investigating alleged corruption in the government's co-payment scheme which subsidises half the cost of purchases, known as Kon La Krueng and the latest tourism stimulus campaign known as Rao Tiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together).

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2035259/co-pay-scheme-probed-for-graft

 

Myanmar President Orders Mining Firms to Publish Contracts, Boosting Transparency.  “The President’s Office stated that all parties must follow “contract transparency”, starting on New Year’s Day, in collaboration with Myanmar Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (MEITI). The sector includes the extraction of oil, gas, timber and minerals… all the contracts carried out by the Union, states and regions, government departments, state-owned enterprises and private companies must disclose the full text of any contract, license, concession or other agreement.”

Nan Lwin/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-president-orders-mining-firms-publish-contracts-boosting-transparency.html  

India fast-tracking justice / Malaysia corruption reporting / Pakistan education reform

Fast-Tracking Justice: India’s New(ish) Strategy to Curb Corruption (Blog).  “This decision [to put a one-year limit on cases involving politicians]…seeks to increase public confidence in the judicial process and to make the legal system more effective in addressing India’s pervasive political corruption…Despite the benefits of the one-year plan, there are two main reasons why achieving this one-year goal could be difficult to achieve in practice: Lack of Judicial Resources…”

Laurel Zigerelli/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/12/11/fast-tracking-justice-indias-newish-strategy-to-curb-corruption/  

 

Many civil servants not brave enough to report graft, says MACC.  “Only 0.01 per cent of the 1.6 million civil servants are brave enough to report corrupt practices in their departments and agencies, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Seri Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil…Based on MACC's data, he said, only 343 civil servants provided information on corrupt practices between 2012 and last year.”

New Straits Times: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/648002/many-civil-servants-not-brave-enough-report-graft-says-macc    

 

Teachers say reforms to eliminate corruption in Edu Dept.  “A press release issued from the office of Tanzeem-e-Asatiza Pakistan (TAP) president in Haripur [Pakistan]…said it was an open secret that corruption was rampant…He said the objective of a corruption-free education department could only be achieved through automation of the system and devolving powers at the district level.”

The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/758275-teachers-say-reforms-to-eliminate-corruption-in-edu-dept

Malaysia credits rating / Windows of opportunity support / Business integrity in emerging markets

Malaysia sliding down slippery slope, warns Credit Suisse after Ku Nan’s RM1m bribery case discharge. “Malaysia will suffer if corrupt political leaders and figures continue to walk free from corruption charges…Credit Suisse Malaysia’s Managing Director and the Head of Equities Stephen Hagger said the recent downgrading of the country by American credits rating agency Fitch Ratings was such an example.”

Jerry Choong/Malay Mail: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/09/malaysia-sliding-down-slippery-slope-warns-credit-suisse-after-ku-nans-rm1m/1930500  

 

Making the Most of “Windows of Opportunity” for Anticorruption Reform (Blog).  “First, we recommend efforts to help build networks of reformers, both within and across countries…Second…stepping up support in two related areas: (1) messaging and branding; and (2) dealing with disinformation (beyond fact-checking)… Third, reformers need more support in navigating the “inside game” of legislative and regulatory processes…Fourth, donors and other outside organizations seeking to support anticorruption reformers during windows of opportunity need to strike a balance with respect to coordination.”

Florencia Guerzovich, María Soledad Gattoni, and Dave Algoso/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/12/07/guest-post-making-the-most-of-windows-of-opportunity-for-anticorruption-reform/  

 

Strengthening Ethical Conduct & Business Integrity: A Guide for Companies in Emerging Markets (Resource). “This guide aims to help companies in emerging markets in three main ways: 1. Make company leaders confident that behaving ethically will not put their company at a disadvantage…2. Equip individuals who champion business integrity within their company with better guidance on how to implement a business integrity program. 3. Offer practical suggestions to interested business leaders who are still at an early or exploratory phase in their approach to business integrity.”

Center for International Private Enterprise: https://www.cipe.org/resources/strengthening-ethical-conduct-business-integrity-a-guide-for-companies-in-emerging-markets/

Transparency Afghanistan established / COVID vaccine policy paper / Sri Lanka COVID relief

Transparency International announces establishment of National Contact in Afghanistan (Press Release).  “Transparency International is pleased to announce the establishment of Transparency Afghanistan, the global anti-corruption coalition’s new National Contact in Afghanistan…[It] proposes to focus on transparency in government procurements, advocate for business integrity, the accountability of Afghan anti-corruption institutions, fulfilment of the Afghanistan government’s anti-corruption commitments and citizens’ access to information.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/transparency-international-announces-establishment-of-national-contact-in-afghanistan

 

COVID-19 vaccines & corruption risks: preventing corruption in the manufacture, allocation and distribution of vaccines (Policy Paper).  “With COVID-19 vaccines being approved for use in different parts of the globe, the scale and complexity of their manufacture, allocation and distribution globally will be unprecedented. This will also present corruption risks…[that] must be identified and mitigated by public institutions…The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) provides a solid global framework for these efforts.”

UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/documents/corruption/COVID-19/Policy_paper_on_COVID-19_vaccines_and_corruption_risks.pdf  

 

Ensuring COVID-19 relief reaches Sri Lanka’s people (Blog).  “To support the 28 villagers excluded from [COVID relief] payment, ALAC [Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre] staff…helped the villagers draft a joint letter to the divisional secretariat – the level of government above the local consul – to report the undelivered aid…In response, the divisional secretary acted swiftly, instructing the consul to…issue the allowance immediately.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/ensuring-covid-19-relief-reaches-sri-lankas-people

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (12 December 2020): Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu

FIJI:

Fiji launches anti-bribery campaign. Fiji launched an anti-bribery campaign to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) on Wednesday and reaffirmed the country's strong commitment to eradicate corruption.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/09/c_139576220.htm

His Excellency President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote's address at the International Anti-Corruption Day 2020 & Launch of FICAC’s Anti-bribery Campaign.  “In order to “Recover with Integrity”, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is launching a nation-wide public service: ‘I don’t accept bribes’ campaign, during which all Public servants in the civil service and statutory bodies will receive a badge…This campaign has also been made possible with the support from our friends at the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project.”

https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/Speeches/HIS-EXCELLENCY-PRESIDENT-MAJOR-GENERAL-(RET%E2%80%99D)-JIO

Corruption biggest challenge.The biggest challenge to improved service delivery is corruption, says Minister for Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar.

https://www.fijitimes.com/corruption-biggest-challenge/

@FBC_TV’s #4TheRecord interviews FICAC and UN-PRAC reps on International Anti-Corruption Day campaign, “I don’t accept bribes”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p9iZ_6Ijig&feature=youtu.be

Fiji: Corruption and humans rights abuse 'inextricably' linked, advocates say. The first United Nations Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights took place in Suva this week with virtual attendance from international speakers.

https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/pac-biz/12941606

Nausori Town Council Former Rates Officer Sentenced. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) charged Timaima Mocevakaca with 21 counts of Causing a Loss in 2013.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/08/nausori-town-council-former-rates-officer-sentenced/

 

PNG:

Reforms addressing corruption. In 2020, PNG has much to share with the world about the institutional reforms that can be taken to address corruption, Dirk Wagener writes. Major law reforms have been enacted in recent months, such as the adoption of the bill on the establishment of an Independent Anti-Corruption body.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/reforms-addressing-corruption/

PNG Higher Education Secretary Czuba arrested and Charged.  The Secretary for Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology DHERST Fr. Jan Czuba was arrested and charged yesterday with one count of official corruption and nine counts of abuse of office.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2020/12/png-higher-education-secretary-czuba.html

 

VANUATU:

Former Vanuatu PM and MPs acquitted on corruption/bribery. Vanuatu’s former prime minister Charlot Salwai has been acquitted of bribery and corruption charges.

https://www.fijitimes.com/former-vanuatu-pm-and-mps-acquitted-on-corruption-bribery/

 

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

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

UNGASS 2021 petition / Indonesia anti-corruption prospects / Gender dimensions of corruption

Transparency International is launching a campaign towards UNGASS 2021 (Campaign/Petition).  TI has prepared a petition urging the UN General Assembly Special Session Against Corruption forum to make central public registers of beneficial ownership of companies the global standard by making a commitment on this subject in the #UNGASS2021 political declaration. TI is seeking additional sign-ons by NGOs, business associations and trade unions, as well as individual companies via the link below, between now and 5 Jan 2021.

Transparency International: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d2r57HSK7U-hwgM32S0wX26NtOdIlUtEi-W5W5B1279UMjE5MFA1TkkxSTdTSUtZOEU4RjRUSTdKRi4u

 

High-profile busts raise hopes of tougher fight against graft in Indonesia.  “Public trust in KPK waned after its wings were clipped. But the recent arrests of senior officials, including two Cabinet ministers, have revived hopes about the future for the agency...[but nabbing] corrupt suspects is one thing, solving pending cases is another, said Professor Zainal Arifin Mochtar, director of Gadjah Mada University's Centre for Anti-corruption Studies.”

Arlina Arshad/The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/high-profile-busts-raise-hopes-of-tougher-fight-against-graft-in-indonesia

 

UNODC Unlocks the Power of Diversity & Inclusion to Address the Gender Dimensions of Corruption (Publication).  The UNODC publication The Time is Now – Addressing the Gender Dimensions of Corruption “highlights just how many of the gender dimensions of corruption are neither well understood nor sufficiently addressed worldwide. It also explores how gender equality policies can have a positive effect in preventing and countering corruption, and vice versa.”

UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2020/December/unodc-unlocks-power-of-diversity-and-inclusion-to-address-the-the-gender-dimensions-of-corruption.html  

International Anti-Corruption Day / Indonesia Omnibus law / Renewable energy transition

Today is International Anti-Corruption Day. The theme for this year’s IACD campaign, co-led by UNODC and UNDP, is “RECOVER with INTEGRITY”. It focuses on recovery through corruption mitigation and emphasizes that inclusive COVID-19 recovery can only be achieved with integrity. Join the campaign by sharing your message using #UnitedAgainstCorruption #RecoverBetter; and explore other communication materials via the link below.

UNODC-UNDP: http://www.anticorruptionday.org/actagainstcorruption/en/about-the-campaign/index.html

 

Indonesia’s Omnibus Law won’t kill corruption (Opinion).  “While corruption is sure to continue in Indonesia’s local government, the Omnibus Law may change the relationship dynamics between local political clans and the political elite in Jakarta. Diminished in power, regional leaders will now need to be in the good books of the national elite to ensure their survival.”

Johannes Nugroho/The Interpreter: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/indonesia-s-omnibus-law-won-t-kill-corruption

 

Corruption is Hindering the Global Transition to Renewable Energy (Blog). “Alexandra Gillies from the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)… sees three main types of culprits…international (private) oil companies, oil-rich governments and national oil companies, who use both legal and illegal means to further their economic interests.”

Maurice Oniango/Transparency International: https://iaccseries.org/blog/corruption-is-hindering-the-global-transition-to-renewable-energy/

Anti-corruption history lesson / India state battles corruption / IACC COVID vaccine discussion

When Anticorruption Begets Corruption: A History Lesson from the Roman Republic (Blog).  “the issues that the Senate in the Late Roman Republic faced in revising its ambitus laws are not so different from the issues confronting any legislative body considering drastic measures in the face of rampant corruption. Legislators would be well advised to reflect on this history and to consider whether the laws they pass will actually serve their cause.”

Zachary Meskell/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/11/30/when-anticorruption-begets-corruption-a-history-lesson-from-the-roman-republic/   

 

Battling corruption (Editorial).  “Citizens must have access to safe and confidential reporting mechanisms and governments must do more to ease citizens’ fear of retaliation in reporting corruption. On this front, some States like Telangana have taken exemplary initiatives and made commendable progress. Dharani, a one-stop portal for all land transactions in Telangana, is one such initiative worthy of emulation by other States.”

Telangana Today: https://telanganatoday.com/battling-corruption

 

Corruption could hinder vaccine distribution, IACC participants warn.  “Misuse of relief funds needs to be closely scrutinized around the world to ensure that coronavirus vaccines are made readily available for all people, emphasized participants of the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) upon the forum’s conclusion…[The] Seoul Declaration…also emphasized the importance of media freedoms, protections for whistle-blowers, protections of ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA+ communities from discrimination and the protection of democratic norms amid growing populism as part of the global battle against corruption.”

Korea JoongAng Daily: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/12/06/national/socialAffairs/anticorruption-IACC-Korea/20201206192000466.html

Indonesia fintech risks / Pakistan ACE restructure / Afghanistan accuses donor hypocrisy

Risk of fintech misuse for money politics in elections (Opinion).  “In 2018, the Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) discovered indications that e-money was being used in money politics…Given the increase in e-commerce transactions as a result of the pandemic, offering free digital wallet top-ups and balance transfers could attract voters.”

Venti Pertiwi/The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/12/03/risk-of-fintech-misuse-for-money-politics-in-elections.html

 

CM orders speedy restructuring of anti-corruption body.  “[Pakistan’s] Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the quarters concerned to finalize the draft of the proposed new law within three weeks to make the functions of the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) more effective”

Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/1593115/cm-orders-speedy-restructuring-of-anti-corruption-body  

 

Afghans, Under Fire for Corruption, Accuse Donors of Hypocrisy.  “Due in large part to international concern with corruption and graft, international donors cut their four-year funding from $15 billion to $12 billion...For years, Kabul has asked that international funding be placed on the government’s budget so that spending can be better coordinated and tracked, according to a senior government advisor. “Accountability has to be mutual,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.”

Lynne O’Donnell/Foreign Policy: https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/12/02/afghanistan-corruption-donor-hypocrisy-aid-money-fraud-abuse/  

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (5 December 2020): Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu

FIJI:

TLTB Employees, Businessman on Bribery Charge Front Court. Two senior staff members from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and a businessman charged with numerous counts of bribery, appeared at the Labasa Magistrates Court

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/03/tltb-employees-businessman-on-bribery-charge-front-court/

FICAC Petition of Appeal Filed. A petition of appeal was today filed in the case regarding the acquitted former employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs charged with corruption related offences. 

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/01/ficac-petition-of-appeal-filed/

 

PNG:

Basil referred to PNG Corruption Watchdog.  The Ombudsman Commission advises that it has referred Hon Sam Basil MP, Member for Bulolo Open, Member, Morobe Provincial Assembly to the Public Prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2020/12/basil-referred-to-png-corruption.html

Papua New Guinea embroiled in ongoing political turmoil. The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG), led by Prime Minister James Marape, has plunged into turmoil after the defection of over a dozen MPs to the opposition.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/11/28/pnga-n28.html

Former PNG PM to stand trial over generators purchase. Papua New Guinea's former Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has been committed to stand trial for charges of Misappropriation and Official Corruption.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/431945/former-png-pm-to-stand-trial-over-generators-purchase

 

VANUATU:

Vanuatu PM testifies against his predecessor. Vanuatu's Prime minister, Bob Loughman, has appeared as a prosecution witness in the bribery, corruption and perjury trial of his predecessor, Charlot Salwai.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/432081/vanuatu-pm-testifies-against-his-predecessor

UNDP at IACC / India laws insufficient / Infrastructure Transparency Index

UNDP sessions at the International Anti-Corruption Conference. Today,UNDP Associate Administrator (a.i.) Mr. Mourad Wahba will be speaking at the closing plenary of the IACC. We are also hosting one session today and one tomorrow. Once you have registered for the main IACC event, you can access the sessions via the links below

‘Pacific Unity Against Corruption’session today on 4 December at 9-10:30am (GMT): https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/hoyj5gaWTmoyLLkgM

Integrating Anti-Corruption in Socio-Economic Recovery to Build Forward Better on 5 December at 12-13:30 GMT: https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/6abbDyQSRGNg4wLFE           

 

Need more than laws to eradicate graft (Editorial).  “With its fine bureaucratic balance, [the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act (2018)] looks good on paper, progressive even, by seeking to deter bribe-givers, shielding public servants from being unfairly targeted, and expediting cases. It is now a good time to revisit the law to assess its effectiveness since prima facie, it appears to have not fulfilled its purpose if one were to take ground reality as the yardstick.”

The New Indian Express: https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/editorials/2020/nov/30/need-more-than-laws-to-eradicate-graft-2229801.html  

 

CoST Webinar: Launch of the Infrastructure Transparency Index (Webinar).  The webinar on Wednesday 9 December, 1-2:15 pm (GMT) will “outline the value of this unique tool providing insight to public leaders and procuring entities of infrastructure projects, with potential for huge sectoral benefits. We will share our methodology, lessons learnt from the tool’s application and our plans for 2021.”

CoST - Infrastructure Transparency Initiative: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dm1wFtj8TZia_tIyY0l0KA  

UNDP at IACC today / India revenue officer / Supporting anticorruption reformers

UNDP sessions at the International Anti-Corruption Conference today.  There will be three sessions organized by UNDP at the IACC today. Once you have registered for the main IACC event, you can access the sessions via the links below

‘Beyond Compliance: Innovative Approaches to Business Integrity and Responsible Business Conduct in Southeast Asia’ (8-9:30am GMT): https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/Xa87BtnMg3TMpkct6

Integrity Is the New Black – Youth as Game Changers in the Pacific (8-9:30am GMT): https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/3qFCXmrgaWFG6QmBn

The Many Faces of the Pandemic: What Does the Future Hold for the Anti-Corruption Movement? Digitalisation, Innovation and Integrity as Drivers for Success (6-7:30pm GMT): https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/yLExjzzPEXYWpgWM9

 

Officer gets public to take anti-corruption pledge.  “In an attempt to eliminate corruption, a young revenue officer is encouraging farmers and the general public to give an undertaking that they won’t offer bribes for any revenue department-related work.”

The New Indian Express: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2020/nov/28/officer-gets-public-to-take-anti-corruption-pledge-2229117.html

 

Seeing New Opportunities: How Global Actors Can Better Support Anticorruption Reformers (Publication).  “In-country reformers, whether in government or civil society, are best placed to navigate [political and domestic] dynamics. However, as many international organizations might aim to help them in those moments, it is useful to have an understanding of the types of support in-country reformers might need.”

Florencia Guerzovich, Maria soledad Gattoni and Dave Algoso/Open Society Foundations: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/publications/seeing-new-opportunities-how-global-actors-can-better-support-anticorruption-reformers  

UNDP at IACC today / Myanmar ACC gains trust / Malaysia police situation

Knowledge Sharing on Effective Corruption Prevention Tools: Lessons Learned from Collaboration between ACRC and UNDP session at the International Anti-Corruption Conference today. This workshop at 8am (GMT) will showcase the good practices and the lessons learned in [Republic of Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission-UNDP Seoul Policy Centre] partnership with several countries, illustrating how knowledge can be most effectively shared, applied and institutionalized. Once you are registered for the main IACC event, you can access the session via the link below.

IACC: https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/nW4xdwkGmdGbyPMrY

 

Myanmar’s Corruption Commission Tops Regional Poll.  “Among 17 Asia-Pacific countries, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Myanmar has gained the highest trust of its citizens, according to a report by Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption.”

Zaw Zaw Htwe/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-corruption-commission-tops-regional-poll.html

 

IGP: No compromise on corruption, violation of laws by police personnel.  “The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would not ever compromise on corruption and violation of laws involving its workforce, said Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador. He said currently, PDRM faced negative public perception following the arrest after arrest of its personnel for committing the crime of corruption.”

Malay Mail: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/11/26/igp-no-compromise-on-corruption-violation-of-laws-by-police-personnel/1926411  

UNDP at IACC today / Environmental degradation and corruption / Corruption in Asia

‘Moving from Commitments to Actions’ session at the International Anti-Corruption Conference today (Webinar).  Today at 9:30-11:00 am (GMT), UNDP is hosting an interactive circle discussion to showcase various mechanisms for monitoring anti-corruption progress and provide recommendations to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration to promote the implementation of anti-corruption efforts.Once you are registered for the main IACC event, you can access the session via the link below.

IACC: https://19thiacc.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/52DkB2ajGCDZ3GP87  

 

Lighting the path ahead at the intersection of environmental degradation, illicit trade and corruption (Blog/Webinar series).  “we are hosting a monthly series of virtual dialogues in late 2020 and the first half of 2021. Under the banner of "Corrupting the environment", the events will bring together leading experts from all sectors and corners of the world to explore the intersection between environmental degradation, illicit trade and corruption.”

Juhani Grossman/Basel Institute on Governance: https://baselgovernance.org/blog/lighting-path-ahead-intersection-environmental-degradation-illicit-trade-and-corruption

 

How does corruption shape Asia? (Blog). “Despite the perception that government corruption is a big problem, many people voice positive support for the actions taken so far by their governments."

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/how-does-corruption-shape-asia 

IACC starts today / Malaysia false claims / Maldives whistleblower protection

The 19^th International Anti-Corruption Conference starts today.  IACC 2020 will run from 30 November to 5 December, featuring more than 500 expert speakers from diverse fields such as journalism, business, arts, and activism. There are over 100 workshops and 6 plenary sessions, see the full agenda and register via the link below to join the sessions for free!

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/the-iacc-goes-virtual-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-19th-international-anti-corruption-conference

 

Ex-CEO of glove company slapped with RM145 mil false claims, CBT charges.  “Ex-CEO of glove company slapped with RM145 mil (approx. US$ 35.6 mil) false claims, [Criminal Breach of Trust] charges… Lee Song Hon, who was previously with WRP Asia Pacific Bhd, was charged with three counts of submitting false claims amounting to RM8.4 million (approx. US$ 2 mil), through false invoices in the name of Tower Success Group Ltd.”

Ho Kit Yen/Free Malaysia Today: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/11/24/ex-ceo-of-glove-company-slapped-with-rm147-mil-false-claims-cbt-charges/   

 

Making the Maldives safer for whistleblowers (Blog).  “A whistleblower revealed a huge corruption scheme, helping to bring down an authoritarian government and paving the way for the Maldives’ first whistleblower protection law.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/making-the-maldives-safer-for-whistleblowers