Share

Global watchdog issues warning over Malaysian ‘corruption crisis’

Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim spoke to the BBC’s Pamela Koh, who asked him who might have donated this money and why.

Advertisement

After his strong statement on the US$700 million “donation” in Prime Minister Najib Razak’s account, Transparency-International chair Jose Ugaz said he had yet to receive a reply from the Malaysian government.

A rally at the weekend drew tens of thousands of people to the streets of the capital Kuala Lumpur to call for Najib’s resignation.

“These are not the actions of a government that is fighting corruption”.

Mustafar said during the conference, Malaysia would share its 23 best practices and mechanisms from the aspect of legislative and administrative reforms, as well as improvements in its approach to counter corruption.

Najib was originally scheduled to give the keynote address but was replaced by a low-ranking minister last week.

Earlier today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low said he advised Najib to pull out from officiating IACC in Putrajaya today in case the environment turned “hostile”. No activists were seen at the conference by AFP.

Even before the bank deposit revelations, Mr Najib had for months faced demands to explain huge sums allegedly missing from deals involving state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

He also said that the MACC’s solidarity with political parties, non-governmental organisations and the private sector has resulted in a united approach towards fighting corruption and this has proven to be the nation’s strength.

Transparency worldwide warned Tuesday that Malaysia faces a “corruption crisis” over a financial scandal implicating the prime minister, as major credit ratings agencies cautioned that related turmoil threatens the country’s economic outlook.

The subsequent outrage has been exacerbated by a flurry of government personnel moves by Najib – including sacking his attorney general – that appear to have left investigations stalled.

Najib denies wrongdoing, alleging a “political conspiracy”, and has refused to step down.

He criticised the disruptions to the investigations and the government’s recent shutdown of two Malaysian newspapers for their reporting on the scandals.

Having an ombudsman in every university will prove to be an effective method of tackling corruption in the long run by engaging future professionals in leading anti-corruption initiatives, said a graft expert.

Advertisement

If that does not happen then only a fully independent investigation, free from political interference, can uncover the truth.

Najib should resign says UN anti-graft coalition