Indonesia online hearings / Japan gift-giving scandal / Pakistan governance crisis

Court hearings move online in Indonesia as fight against graft must go on.  “Working from home takes on a whole new meaning in the fight against graft in Indonesia, with courts moving to the virtual world to hear corruption cases. The trials will also be live-streamed to make them accessible for the general public.”

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/03/27/court-hearings-move-online-in-indonesia-as-fight-against-graft-must-go-on

 

A closer look at Kansai Electric and its gift-giving scandal.  “At the center of the scandal is former Takahama Deputy Mayor Eiji Moriyama…[who] had served as a powerful local fixer between Kepco officials and Takahama businesses, giving cash and gifts to Kepco officials in exchange for kickbacks and giving contracts to construction-related firms with ties to Moriyama, which then paid Moriyama a consulting fee.”

Eric Johnston/The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/03/29/business/kansai-electric-gift-giving-scandal/#.XoHdc4hKg2w  

   

Crisis of governance (Opinion).  “The symptoms of the crisis are starkly clear and its roots lie in our history, social structure and ethos, and insatiable greed and corruption of the ruling elites.”

Sami Saeed/The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/635472-crisis-of-governance    

Accountability Lab webinar / SDG16 multistakeholder involvement / Thailand MP jailed

Countering corruption and closing civic space during coronavirus (Webinar).  At 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Tuesday, March 31, 2020 GMT+7 time, join the Accountability Lab to hear perspectives from the ground on these issues in Pakistan, Nigeria and Mexico; and brainstorm around how you can support citizen engagement, accountability and trust-building during the coronavirus.

Accountability Lab: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZElf-CgrzIrkGwbLJbZF86rHr7kN7aWbw   

 

SDG16: Fostering Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions In A World Under Duress (Blog).  “As the world steps up its response to the worst public health and economic crisis in nearly a century one thing is clear: strong institutions and the pursuit of peace will be more important than ever. And everyone - politicians, businesses, and civil society - has a critical role to play.”

Isabella Kaminski and James Murray/Business Green: https://www.businessgreen.com/feature/4013063/sdg16-fostering-peace-justice-strong-institutions-world-duress   

 

Khon Kaen Pheu Thai MP jailed over school scandal.  “[Thailand’s] Region 4 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sentenced Banlang Annopporn, a Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen's Constituency 10, and 12 other people to between two and six years in jail for malfeasance in the transfer and appointment of the director of a well-known secondary school in this northeastern province in 2015,”

Chakrapan Nathanri/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1885845/khon-kaen-pheu-thai-mp-jailed-over-school-scandal     

Open contracting recommendations / Hong Kong IPO-related bribery / Transparency during pandemic

Recommendations on open contracting for OGP action plans (Resource).  This briefing discusses: fighting corruption in public procurement in the context of the Open Government Partnership; trends and examples of good practice in open contracting; existing commitments and recommendations for inclusion in action plans”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/files/content/activity/Rec_on_Open_Contracting_for_OGP_action_plans_-_FINAL.pdf  

 

Ex-Hong Kong exchange official charged with IPO-related bribery.  “Hong Kong’s anti-corruption unit has charged a former exchange official with bribery and misconduct over a 2017 IPO application by thread manufacturer Shen You Holdings.”

Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/hongkong-bourse-corruption/update-1-ex-hong-kong-exchange-official-charged-with-ipo-related-bribery-idUSL4N2BI2FL       

 

Ensuring Adequate Anticorruption, Accountability, and Transparency Measures During the Pandemic (Blog).  “It will not only require that our government acts swiftly and effectively, but that the crisis response is not undermined by corruption or other forms of malfeasance. Even in a moment of crisis—indeed, especially in a moment of crisis—it is essential that we, the public, demand that our governments adhere to the highest standards of anticorruption, accountability, and transparency.”

Shruti Shah and Alex Amico/The Global Anticorruption Blog:https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/03/24/guest-post-ensuring-adequate-anticorruption-accountability-and-transparency-measures-during-the-pandemic/

Health sector corruption / Most corrupt industry / Pakistan transport project

Special Issue on Fighting Corruption in the Health Sector (Blog).  “this special issue…addresses crucial and highly relevant issues related to the health sector’s ability to prevent, detect, and sanction corruption, in order to address the threats that corruption poses to the health system’s ability to perform effectively during both crises and normal times.”

Sarah Steingrüber/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/corrupt-politicians-shady-charitable-entities-and-the-coronavirus-crisis-in-iran/30488713.html   

 

See What Industry Ranks as Most Globally Corrupt.  “Companies in the extractive industry faced the most bribery investigations in 2019, both by the U.S. and other global authorities, according to a new corruption report.”

Sue Reisinger/Corporate Counsel: https://www.law.com/corpcounsel/2020/03/18/see-what-industry-ranks-as-most-globally-corrupt/?slreturn=20200225175951       

 

Pakistan's BRT transport project delayed amid corruption claims.  “PM Imran Khan's provincial government blamed for delays to rapid transport project as probe reveals officials pocketed millions in kickbacks.”

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/pakistans-brt-transport-project-delayed-corruption-claims-200324094900256.html      

Open business guidance / Malaysia AirAsia bosses / Indonesia death sentence

Open Business – Summary of principles and guidance for anti-corruption corporate transparency (Resource).  “By demonstrating the value of harnessing transparency in these areas, this report shows how companies can embrace transparency to reduce corruption risk while also building consumer and public trust, protecting and building their reputation and gaining a competitive advantage.”

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org.uk/publications/open-business-anticorruption-governance-disclosure-guidance/    

 

AirAsia bosses back after internal inquiry clears them of Airbus scandal links.  “Last month, the duo relinquished their executive roles for two months in the wake of allegations that the airline received a US$50 million (RM219 million) bribe from aircraft manufacturer Airbus. A statement released by AirAsia today said that auditors BDO Governance Advisory Sdn Bhd had cleared them of any wrongdoing.”

Free Malaysia Today: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/03/20/airasia-bosses-back-after-internal-inquiry-clears-them-of-airbus-scandal-links/   

 

KPK wants death for corruption convicts during COVID-19 outbreak.  “[Indonesia’s] Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) wants the death penalty for people convicted of corruption during the COVID-19 outbreak, in a stark turnabout from its recent focus on prevention…With the government pouring Rp 62.3 trillion (US$3.9 billion) into nationwide measures to combat COVID-19 and launching social safety net programs, there are growing fears that much of that money could be embezzled.”

The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/03/22/kpk-wants-death-for-corruption-convicts-during-covid-19-outbreak.html

Japan electricity provider / Corruption and coronavirus / Cambodia social accountability

Kansai Electric ordered to improve operations after bribery scandal.  “The [Japanese government] ordered Kansai Electric Power Co to improve its business operations following a bribery scandal…[which] began in 1987…and continued for more than three decades until they were discovered in a tax audit.”

Japan Today: https://japantoday.com/category/crime/kansai-electric-ordered-to-improve-operations-over-bribery-scandal    

 

Corruption and the coronavirus (Blog).  “The procurement of medicines and supplies in health systems is typically one of the most vulnerable areas for corruption. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), approximately 10 – 25 per cent of all money spent on procurement globally is lost to corruption… And that’s during normal times.”

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

Scaling up Social Accountability in Key Public Services in Cambodia.  “US$5.95 million was granted to World Vision International for social accountability activities, including mobilizing community facilitators to inform citizens of the services they are entitled to and the use of public funds. Facilitators will develop community scorecards for citizens to evaluate the quality of public services and agree on joint action plans with the service providers.”

Modern Diplomacy: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2020/03/21/scaling-up-social-accountability-in-key-public-services-in-cambodia/     

COVID-19 times transparency / Pakistan cases processing / Philippines other virus

In times like these, transparency matters more than ever (Blog).  “During crises like the outbreak of a deadly virus, the risk of corruption in healthcare is exacerbated by dramatically increased pressure on the system. Disruption, uncertainty and distraction contribute to an environment in which corrupt actors can take advantage of the crisis for their own benefit.”

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

Chairman NAB directs rapid processing of mega corruption cases.  “[Pakistan’s Chairman National Accountability Bureau] Justice Javed Iqbal, during his visit, issued instructions for bringing all Mega Corruption Scams to their logical end without causing any delay and to file evidence based corruption references in Accountability Courts.”

The Nation: https://nation.com.pk/20-Mar-2020/chairman-nab-directs-rapid-processing-of-mega-corruption-cases     

 

That other virus—corruption (Opinion).  “Just like COVID-19, global corruption is also spreading unchecked. There has been no definitive cure to eradicating corruption and fraud. Corruption, bribery, theft and tax evasion, and other illicit financial activities cost developing countries $1.26 trillion per year…”

Dindo Manhit/Inquirer.net: https://opinion.inquirer.net/128184/that-other-virus-corruption    

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (21 March 2020): PNG, Samoa, Vanuatu

What ails Australian aid to the Pacific? Two Pacific expert views.  There are issues around corruption and wastage but if the Pacific people were to have a greater say in programming and the aid we receive, we can then be held entirely responsible for it.”

https://devpolicy.org/what-ails-australian-aid-to-the-pacific-two-pacific-expert-views-20200320/

 

PNG:

Avoiding the wrong lessons on aid and corruption. Corruption is not a new argument against development assistance.

https://devpolicy.org/avoiding-the-wrong-lessons-on-aid-and-corruption-20200319/

Major reforms under way in PNG police force. Bryan Kramer says reform has started with efforts to weed out poor administration and corruption within the police hierarchy in Port Moresby.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018738378/major-reforms-under-way-in-png-police-force

Up to K4.4bn laundered in PNG.  The possible level of money laundering in PNG could be in the range of K1.8 billion and K4.4 billion based on the country’s GDP of nearly K90 billion.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/k44bn-laundered-png-83246

 

SAMOA:

Samoa police charge blogger over alleged bribe.  Police in Samoa have charged a blogger for allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer in order to continue filming a petrol station fire

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/411530/samoa-police-charge-blogger-over-alleged-bribe

 

VANUATU:

Vanuatu heads to legislative election; new government likely. This election is the first since 2016, when current Prime Minister Charlot Salwai came to power after a corruption scandal in 2015 forced the resignation of 15 MPs.

https://foreignbrief.com/daily-news/vanuatu-heads-to-legislative-election-new-government-likely/

Coronavirus fears and controversial passport sales: Vanuatu's election explained. In 2015, 14 members of parliament, including the acting prime minister, were found guilty of corruption, putting half the governing party’s MPs behind bars.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/coronavirus-fears-and-controversial-passport-sales-vanuatus-election-explained

 

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

Malaysia 1MDB recovery / Emergency fiscal transparency / ASEAN food security

Malaysia recovers $459 million of 1MDB fraud money: PM's office.  “Malaysia has recovered RM1.4 billion (S$459 million) of funds allegedly stolen from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad, and identified another RM6.9 billion for recovery, the prime minister's office said”

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-recovers-s459-million-of-1mdb-fraud-money-pms-office

 

Fiscal Transparency in Times of Emergency Response: Reflections for times of Covid-19 (Blog).  “While transparency expectations for risks management and contingencies are part of international standards and particular attention has also been given in post-disaster attention, fiscal transparency in emergency situations is certainly intricate.”

Lorena Rivero del Paso/Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency: http://www.fiscaltransparency.net/blog_open_public.php?IdToOpen=8281      

 

ASEAN food security: Corruption, micronutrients and food import dependency region’s biggest challenges.  “Whilst Singapore’s major worries are about food import dependency, almost all the other countries in ASEAN region face a very different challenge when it comes to establishing a secure food system, in the form of bureaucratic corruption.”

Pearly Neo/Food Navigator-Asia: https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/03/16/ASEAN-food-security-Corruption-micronutrients-and-food-import-dependency-region-s-biggest-challenges       

Iran shady charities / India officials appointment / Pakistan water project

Corrupt Politicians, Shady 'Charitable' Entities And The Coronavirus Crisis In Iran.  “In a nutshell, the Mehr al-Reza Jihadi Foundation is a carbon copy of hundreds of other “charitable” entities in Iran that make millions, thanks to their connections with a prominent political, military or religious figure. These entities are never transparent, are always under the protection of a powerful figure, do not issue any financial reports and can suddenly set up branches in all parts of the country.”

Reza Haqiqatnezhad/Radio Farda: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/corrupt-politicians-shady-charitable-entities-and-the-coronavirus-crisis-in-iran/30488713.html    

 

Haryana vowed transparency but law officers list is dominated by kin of judges, politicians.  “The Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government had promised an “open and transparent” process for the appointment of the state’s law officers, even issuing an advertisement in 2019 calling for eligible candidates, but those selected are the usual suspects — close relatives of judges, politicians and other VIPs.”

Chitleen K Sethi/The Print: https://theprint.in/india/haryana-vowed-transparency-but-law-officers-list-is-dominated-by-kin-of-judges-politicians/380806/      

 

Anti-graft Agency Probes Pakistan Water Project.  “Pakistan’s anti-corruption watchdog has launched an investigation into alleged corruption and misuse of funds at a multi-million dollar water supply project outside of Karachi after the project’s costs quadrupled.”

Will Neal/Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project: https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/11822-anti-graft-agency-probes-pakistan-water-project     

Fair business initiatives / Malaysia corporate liability / India case study

Adopting collaborative solutions to increase transparency and integrity in South East Asia.  Addressing corruption and strengthening governance systems requires an active role of governments, the private sector and civil society. UNDP’s regional initiative “Promoting Fair Business Environment in ASEAN”aims to improve transparency and integrity both in the public and private sector, through a collaborative approach. As a result of last year’s Fair Biz Lab, Viet Nam, Indonesia and Thailand are now pilot-testing collaborative platforms as a new approach to promote responsible business practices, increase transparency, business integrity and community participation at subnational and national level. 

Read more about the projects here: https://www.undp.org/content/dam/rbap/docs/dg/Fairbiz4Prosperity/Fair%20Biz%20Grant%20projects%20summary%20V5.pdf  

 

MySay: Navigating the waves of corporate and personal liability on corruption (Opinion).  “Business owners and top management must appraise the radical changes of the risk allocation for potential acts of bribery and design an anti-corruption compliance programme to comply with the legal requirements…The thrust of the law is to introduce hefty fines for commercial organisations and custodial sentences for directors and officers for acts of corruption by any “associated persons” of the business.”

Selvaraja Muthaya/The Edge Malaysia: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/mysay-navigating-waves-corporate-and-personal-liability-corruption

 

Business case study: How a CEO learnt to deal with corruption inside (and outside) her company.  An excerpt from the corporate biography of Conzerv, the energy management company that became a Harvard Business School case study.

Hema Hattangady and Ashish Sen/Scroll.in: https://scroll.in/article/956341/business-case-study-how-a-ceo-learnt-to-deal-with-corruption-inside-and-outside-her-company  

Viet Nam RTI law / Myanmar dirty finances / Governance and development

Ensuring the right to information in Vietnam — one step of many (Blog).  “While Vietnam has recently strengthened citizens’ right to information through the legal framework, there is still a long way towards effective implementation. Most state agencies are still not saying how information can be requested, many local government employees have not been trained to process information requests and not enough citizens have been made aware of their rights.”

Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/ensuring-the-right-to-information-in-vietnam-one-step-of-many-a698e5a83547

 

Myanmar fails to clean up its dirty finances. “To be sure, important progress has been made on several fronts. For instance, the government has initiated key reforms in improving bank governance, tackling corruption and mandating greater corporate disclosure including over company ownership.”

Rory Wallace/Asia Times: https://asiatimes.com/2020/03/myanmar-fails-to-clean-up-its-dirty-finances/    

 

Governance and development (Opinion).  “Good governance ensures transparency and accountability of institutions which is necessary for the development of any country in the long run.”

Adnan Shah/The Express Tribune: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2174898/6-governance-and-development-2/   

Corruption in universities / Malaysia asset declaration / Pakistan media mogul

Corruption in universities: Paths to integrity in the higher education subsector (Resource).  “Higher education regulatory frameworks should promote accountability and anti-corruption measures as part of accreditation and assessment standards. Donors can use their assistance to bolster anti-corruption compliance in the universities they partner with, strengthen accreditation agencies, and support information technology solutions.”

Monica Kirya/U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre: https://www.u4.no/publications/corruption-in-universities-paths-to-integrity-in-the-higher-education-subsector     

 

Asset declaration by new Cabinet advances transparency, say political analysts.  “The move to get members of the new Cabinet to declare their assets should be welcomed as a symbol of the transparency of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government which aims to be free of any element of corruption, says political analyst Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman.”

Malay Mail: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/03/14/asset-declaration-by-new-cabinet-advances-transparency-say-political-analys/1846477  

 

Pakistani authorities arrest media mogul on corruption charges. “Geo TV says the arrest of its chief was in retaliation to investigative pieces against the gov't anti-corruption body.”

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/pakistani-authorities-arrest-media-mogul-corruption-charges-200313034151893.html

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (14 March 2020): PNG, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Palau, Micronesia

PNG:

Informal systems of reciprocity, service delivery and corruption. Rather than judging the system to be good or bad, we describe its role as falling along a continuum, ranging from providing potentially lifesaving benefits to encouraging corruption.

https://devpolicy.org/informal-systems-of-reciprocity-service-delivery-and-corruption-20200306/

PNG police reform starts with hierarchy in Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea's Police Minister says a major reform of the constabulary is targetting poor administration and corruption.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/411600/png-police-reform-starts-with-hierarchy-in-port-moresby

Manus Island contractor's lobbying efforts in PNG revealed for the first time. Mr Stewart, who is understood to have authorised the Trakpro payment, also raised the matter at the next Paladin board meeting and called for the company to establish a "bribery and corruption policy", according to an email to Mr Saul.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/manus-island-contractor-s-lobbying-efforts-in-png-revealed-for-the-first-time-20200310-p548im.html

Former Lands Board Chairman Charged. Former Lands Board chairman Francis Tanga has been arrested on charges of fraud and official corruption and later released on police bail in Port Moresby

https://postcourier.com.pg/former-lands-board-chairman-charged/

 

TONGA:

Six charges dropped against former Tongan PM. Six charges of bribery and money laundering against former Tongan Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano have been dropped.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/411216/six-charges-dropped-against-former-tongan-pm

Former Tonga PM found guilty of perjury in passports-for-sale scandal. Nuku'alofa, Tonga - Former Tonga prime minister Lord Tu'ivakano has been found guilty of perjury over a passports-for-sale scandal involving Chinese nationals in the Pacific island country.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/03/10/20/former-tonga-pm-found-guilty-of-perjury-in-passports-for-sale-scandal

 

FIJI:

Juvenile charged for giving false information. A juvenile was produced in the Suva Magistrates court yesterday after allegedly registering under a false name using false information.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/juvenile-charged-for-giving-false-information/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

SINU boss accused of ‘spying’ on staff emails. His orders came after reports of his alleged “corrupt activities” were leaked to the media, the university’s ICT department insiders told the Solomon Star.

https://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/22926-sinu-boss-accused-of-spying-on-staff-emails

 

PALAU:

Another presidential election in the Pacific at the same time as the US elections. The truth is still in the bush, but there were movements, incentives and undercurrents of anti-nuclear, communism, drugs and corruption.

https://noqreport.com/2020/03/10/another-presidential-election-in-the-pacific-at-the-same-time-as-the-us-elections/

 

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA:

Flagging up flag fraud. He spoke of “the scourge of fraudulent registries” and told the gathering when and how flag fraud first came to IMO’s attention: it was in 2015 and IMO itself was defrauded by a group claiming to be working for the registry of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

https://shipinsight.com/articles/flagging-up-flag-fraud

 

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

Information and accountability / Corruption research problems / Japan money politics

Information and Accountability: Evidence Syntheses of Within Government and Citizen-Government Accountability Pathways (Resource).  “…a high-level summary of evidence from a detailed evidence syntheses on within-government and citizen-government accountability actors and pathways. These pathways provide one framework to understand existing evidence on how information affects government accountability.”

MIT Governance Lab/Transparency & Accountability Initiative: https://www.transparency-initiative.org/reports/5826/preface-evidence-syntheses-accountability-pathways/  

 

Two problems of corruption research (Blog). “…two problems of corruption research are (1) that its universal definition does not help achieve a concrete comprehension of its manifestations in specific contexts; and (2) that the use of perception-based indices does not offer a real understanding of the size of the phenomenon.”

Gian Marco Moisé/School of Oriental and African Studies Anti-Corruption Evidence (SOAS-ACE): https://ace.globalintegrity.org/corruptionresearch/  

 

Power and Money in Japanese Politics (Opinion). “…bribery should not be tolerated or justified under any circumstances, and it is ultimately a question of the personal morality and integrity of each politician. But the unstable status and different economic backgrounds of Diet members might be regarded as one of the remote causes of bribery and corruption in Japanese politics.”

Daisuke Akimoto/The Diplomat: https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/power-and-money-in-japanese-politics/  

Thailand anti-graft recommendation / Indonesia oil company / Malaysia TI stance

TDRI chief offers ways of ending graft.  “Cutting down on monopolies, boosting accountability and limiting official powers are key to solving corruption problems, says Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).”

Dumrongkiat Mala/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1875919/tdri-chief-offers-ways-of-ending-graft    

 

Supreme Court Overturns Graft Conviction of Ex-Pertamina President.  “The [Indonesian] Supreme Court has acquitted Karen Agustiawan, the former president director of state-run oil company Pertamina, of graft charges by overturning an earlier district court verdict that saw her guilty of corruption and sentenced her to eight years' imprisonment. Karen was previously implicated in a graft scandal concerning Pertamina's participating interest in Australia's Basker Manta Gummy oil fields and found guilty in June last year.”

Fana Suparman/Jakarta Globe: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/supreme-court-overturns-graft-conviction-of-expertamina-president

 

Transparency International Malaysia stands ready to engage with any govt that genuinely supports transparency.  “[Transparency International Malaysia’s] president Dr Muhammad Mohan said TI-M will be closely observing all developments under the new government and continue to be vocal in highlighting any issue of concern in the areas of transparency and integrity.”

Malay Mail: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/03/08/transparency-international-malaysia-stands-ready-to-engage-with-any-govt-th/1844553

TI sextortion report / Pakistan transparent reform / Malaysia new chief

Breaking the silence around sextortion: the links between power, sex and corruption (Report).  “This report assesses the state of knowledge about the links between corruption and sextortion. It presents evidence on the prevalence of sextortion and the existing legal frameworks to address it, and it proposes recommendations for how to tackle it.”

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

 

Reforms without transparency ineffective (Opinion).  “[The ruling party] should be the facilitator of business and trade through transparent and prudent policies and fair implementation of the rules and regulations.”

Mansoor Ahmad/The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/625408-reforms-without-transparency-ineffective

 

Top graft buster is new MACC chief.  “It is a responsibility which Datuk Seri Azam Baki (pic) will shoulder with honour as he pledges to continue the war on corruption in his new capacity as the chief commissioner. Azam is no stranger to the job, having served the anti-graft body for more than 30 years and is considered one of the country’s top graft busters.”

Mazwin Nik Anis/The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/10/top-graft-buster-is-new-macc-chief

Indonesia KPK code / Sri Lanka health care / India passport denial

KPK’s new code of ethics promotes synergy with other institutions: Supervisory council. “Previously, the KPK values included religiosity, integrity, justice, professionalism and leadership… Synergy replaces religiosity as the council believes that it is inherent and already encompasses the other values.”

The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/03/05/kpks-new-code-of-ethics-promotes-synergy-with-other-institutions-supervisory-council.html  

 

Using information to ensure access to health care (Blog). “Samadhigama Base Hospital in Sri Lanka was understaffed and only open two days a week. Using the right to information helped residents to pressure authorities into providing the health care they had committed to.”

Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/using-information-to-ensure-access-to-health-care-dd49fde1c58a

 

No passports for corrupt Central govt officers.  “According to an official order issued on Friday, government employees under suspension or those who have been granted sanction of prosecution over corruption charges will not be able to get a passport.”

Shaswati Das/Livemint: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/no-passports-for-corrupt-central-govt-officers-11583503884039.html

Philippines corruption rising / Silence around sextortion / Malaysia MACC chief

Bribery, corruption on the rise in PH – report.  “Bribery and corruption in the Philippines have spiked in the last two years, with a fifth of businesses saying they were made to pay grease money, a global survey [by PricewaterhouseCoopers] disclosed.”

Melissa Luz Lopez/CNN Philippines: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/3/Bribery-corruption-fraud-PwC.html   

 

The deafening silence around sextortion.  “To enable adequate prosecution of sextortion and get justice for those affected, all governments should develop a legal definition and framework for sextortion.  Existing legal frameworks have too many gaps and leave some forms of sexual extortion unaddressed.”

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

 

Malaysia's anti-corruption chief who investigated 1MDB resigns.  “Latheefa Koya of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said there was no pressure on her to resign and that new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is backed by UMNO…”

Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/malaysia-anti-corruption-chief-investigated-1mdb-resigns-200306021953213.html

Malaysia PM priorities / India anti-corruption campaign / International Anti-corruption Court

Malaysia's new PM says will prioritize stamping out corruption, abuse of power.  ‘“The government under my leadership will prioritize efforts to increase the integrity and good practices by government. This includes efforts to stamp out corruption and abuse of power and improving enforcement and the relevant laws, regulations and practices,” Muhyiddin said in his first speech since being sworn in as premier’

Joseph Sipalan/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-muhyiddin/malaysias-new-pm-says-will-prioritize-stamping-out-corruption-abuse-of-power-idUSKBN20P1Z1

 

India Failing To Make Progress In Its Campaign Against Corruption (Opinion).  “India’s enormous economic promise makes it virtually impossible to ignore. But companies conducting business there need not look any further than the latest [Corruption Perception Index] to recognize the formidable risks India poses to their operations.”

Ronak D. Desai/Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2020/03/03/india-failing-to-make-progress-in-its-campaign-against-corruption/

 

U4 Brief on “An International Anti-Corruption Court? A Synopsis of the Debate” (Blog/Resource).  “this U4 Brief is meant to provide some general background information and a succinct summary of (1) the strongest arguments in favor of creating an IACC, (2) the strongest criticisms of the IACC proposal, and (3) an overview of some other approaches to the grand corruption and impunity problems.”

Matthew Stephenson/The Global Anticorruption Blog:  https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/02/27/u4-brief-on-an-international-anti-corruption-court-a-synopsis-of-the-debate/ 

Financial declaration systems / Cambodia construction permit / Malaysia scandal trials

Are Financial Declaration Systems Creating Opportunities for Corrupt Extortion? (Blog).  “There are important ongoing debates about the appropriate design of financial disclosure systems, including questions about whether the disclosures should be public or kept confidential, who should be required to submit disclosures (and how often), what sort of information should be required (and at what level of detail), whether and how declarations should be independently verified, the appropriate institution to manage the system, and the appropriate penalties for noncompliance”

Matthew Stephenson/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2020/03/03/are-financial-declaration-systems-creating-opportunities-for-corrupt-extortion/

 

Phnom Penh Court finds provincial officials guilty of corruption. “the convicts were arrested…by the Anti-Corruption Unit during a sting operation at a restaurant in Pursat after being handed $50,000 from an unnamed local factory owner for a construction permit.”

Buth Reaksmey Kongkea/Khmer Times: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50696932/phnom-penh-court-finds-provincial-officials-guilty-of-corruption

 

Questions emerge over trials in 1MDB scandal. “With the return of Mr Najib's party to power after a week of political turmoil, and therefore being in a position to influence policy, some Malaysians were questioning whether it will affect the handling of the high profile trials.”

Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1870659/questions-emerge-over-trials-in-1mdb-scandal

Corruption victims reparations / Myanmar EITI compliance / Corporate governance bar

Reparations for Corruption: How Corruption Enforcement Ignores Victims’ Rights.  “...Airbus, a European aircraft maker, announced a USD 4 billion settlement with US, UK, and France authorities…Regretfully, as we see all too often, these settlements will not include reparations to the people or communities affected by the bribery and corruption. Despite early and persistent requests, these victims were left out of the bargain.

Juanita Olaya Garcia/Tufts University: https://sites.tufts.edu/ihs/reparations-for-corruption-how-corruption-enforcement-ignores-victims-rights/

 

Myanmar govt faces setbacks in enforcing compliance with EITI database.  The government says it lacks the mechanisms to force companies to disclose ownership information through a public registry, which are part of recent measures to clean up corruption in the extractive industry.

John Liu and Thompson Chau/Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-govt-faces-setbacks-enforcing-compliance-eiti-database.html

 

Corporate governance bar must be raised (Opinion).  “Voluntary adoption of ethical and transparent business practices alongside a lighter regulatory environment, are called for”

Chandrajit Banerjee/Business Line: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/corporate-governance-bar-must-be-raised/article30935067.ece?utm_source=taboola

Thailand military reform / DPRK officials sacked / Pakistan failed accountability

Thai PM to reform military to curb corruption.  “Thailand’s military is being reformed to reduce corruption among military commanders, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said… The issue of high-ranking commanders ordering soldiers to serve them by running their errands was mentioned by the PM, who said that there would be punishment for such behaviour.”

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/02/28/thai-pm-to-reform-military-to-curb-corruption   

 

Kim Jong Un sacks top officials for “corruption” in meeting on coronavirus.  “North Korean leader Kim Jong Un led an enlarged Political Bureau meeting primarily on the country’s coronavirus prevention efforts, where he dismissed two top officials for what appear to be related “corrupt” acts, the Party daily Rodong Sinmun and Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported”

Colin Zwirko/NK News: https://www.nknews.org/2020/02/kim-jong-un-sacks-top-officials-for-corruption-in-meeting-on-coronavirus/  

 

Failed accountability? (Opinion).  “Having failed to deliver on the economic and governance fronts, the anti-corruption tirade was the only thing left for the ruling party to keep its support base satisfied. Slowly but surely, that anti-corruption campaign seems to be fizzling out as one political leader after another is set free by the courts for lack of credible evidence”

Mohammad Zubair/The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/622313-failed-accountability    

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (29 February 2020): PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands

PNG:

PNG Parliament adjourns with govt urging O'Neill to move. Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven thanked MPs for voting unanimously for the Whistleblowers Act, which provides protection for those who report on corruption.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/410419/png-parliament-adjourns-with-govt-urging-o-neill-to-move  

 

FIJI:

Former Fiji Commerce Commission CEO’s no case to answer matter today Former CEO Bobby.Maharaj is charged with one count of Abuse of Office.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/former-fiji-commerce-commission-ceos-no-case-to-answer-matter-today/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

USD $100 Billion loan – new twist. The leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has expressed great shock at the report in Solomon Star on Tuesday 25th February 2020 of new information coming out from inside sources within the Prime Minister’s Office that the USD11 Bn commission from the proposed USD100 Bn loan includes payments to senior MPs within Sogavare’s government.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/22843-usd-100-billion-loan-new-twist

 

COOK ISLANDS

‘No professional misconduct’.  The Cook Islands Law Society filed a complaint with the High Court, saying he was guilty of professional misconduct and bringing the profession into disrepute.

http://cookislandsnews.com/national/local/item/76026-no-professional-misconduct

 

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

 

Philippines government contract / Thailand censure debate / Singapore bank manager

Can you spot red flags in government contracts? (Blog).  “At a recent investigative journalism conference called Muckraking for the Public Good, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) senior reporter Karol Ilagan talked about the red flags to watch out for when investigating public contracts.”

Adelle Chua/Hivos:https://sea.hivos.org/story/can-you-spot-red-flags-in-government-contracts/

 

Thailand holds first censure debate in 7 years.  “The debate…will focus on controversial issues. It will go as far back as the coup and corruption allegations made against the military regime, which was in power until the middle of last year.”

Hathai Techakitteranun/The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/thailand-holds-first-censure-debate-in-7-years    

 

Ex-company co-director and former bank telecom and network manager fined $30,000 each for graft.  “A telecom and network manager at ABN Amro Bank (Singapore) accepted $17,500 in bribes from a director of one of its vendors as a reward for advancing the business interest of the latter's firm with the financial institution.”

Shaffiq Alkhatib/The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/ex-company-co-director-and-former-bank-telecom-and-network-manager-fined-30k