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