Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General And MP For Bagan Lim Guan Eng In Kuala Lumpur On 26.2.2018.
When Malaysia recorded its lowest ever ranking on the 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of 47 points and No. 62, that it is now on par with Cuba, both Minister In The Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission(MACC) had retaliated with denial and throwing a tantrum that MACC will devise their own index ranking system. Both should have accepted TI’s assessment of their worst performance ever in fighting corruption, with an open mind by being willing to be subject to scrutiny for this poor performance, and a full post-mortem of inquiry.
The situation is serious that despite huge publicity surrounding MACC efforts in fighting corruption, it is perceived as not going after the big fish or the main culprits that matter. Previously, Malaysia scored 49 points and was ranked 55th in the 2016 CPI. TI Malaysia president Akhbar Satar said that Malaysia dropped in the CPI 2017 due to the 1MDB issue, the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, the RM2.6 billion donation, the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) scandal, the Sabah water scandal as well as the conviction of whistle-blowers such as PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli.
The situation was made worse because 1MDB was not pursued and resolved, creating a sense of impunity with theft of public funds going unpunished. Akhbar added that these cases are examples of the public, investors and the business community losing faith in our system, and that Malaysia should be better than Cuba, better than Africa.
Malaysia’s ranking of 62nd marks the country’s lowest rank ever since the CPI was first introduced in 1994. It is disappointing that the BN government continues to be in denial that MACC is perceived to be increasingly used as a weapon which abuses its powers by either taking action or forbearing action because of political reasons. MACC also allows fake news that are unfavourable to the opposition to be published in the BN-controlled media without any action taken. MACC is also seen as having something to hide by failing to act against allegations of abuse of power and even corruption made against its top official.
Paul Low and MACC should stop attacking the TI and also stop its misguided and selfish move to devise its own ranking system to counter the CPI. Such a ranking system devised by the MACC to promote its own image would have no integrity and credibility. MACC and Paul Low turning its back on Transparency International(TI) will not improve the Corruption Perception Index(CPI) of Malaysia but cover-up the abuses of power that condones cover-ups of BN financial scandals and fake news of corruption by the Opposition.
Paul Low will have come a full circle from being the President of TI defending its work and findings to a Minister now attacking TI’s international standing. Clearly the country is now suffering from an integrity crisis. What is the solution by Paul Low apart from attacking TI and setting up their own ranking system to appease your anger at your failures being so shamefully exposed?
LIM GUAN ENG