Putrajaya: Putrajaya is set to become a pivotal venue for regional anti-corruption discussions as representatives from anti-corruption agencies across ASEAN gather for the ASEAN Anti-Corruption Conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) this Tuesday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the one-day conference is themed ‘Recalling Jakarta Statement’, a reference to the influential document introduced 13 years ago that aims to maintain the principles and independence of anti-corruption agencies within the region. Conference Organising Chairman Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali emphasized that the gathering provides a crucial platform for participants to assess the implementation of the 16-point Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies 2012 and to enhance regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
Mustafar highlighted the importance of exchanging experiences related to the implementation of the Jakarta Statement, allowing ASEAN member states to learn from each other’s best practices in fighting corruption. He noted that Malaysia, through the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has introduced several initiatives that could serve as benchmarks while acknowledging the successes of agencies like Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
He stated that any weaknesses in the implementation of the Jakarta Statement 2012 would be addressed collectively to ensure improvements and strengthening. Mustafar, who also serves as a Board Member of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), confirmed that all ASEAN member countries and Timor Leste have confirmed their participation.
The conference will also host representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and media practitioners from participating countries. Mustafar added that the event will feature presentations from several participating agencies, where delegates will share their work experiences, challenges, and best practices in combating corruption.
Scheduled to deliver presentations at the conference are Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, and Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto. Additionally, presentations will be made by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and anti-corruption practitioners from the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria.
Mustafar mentioned that the MACC is the main organiser of the conference, supported by partners including the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Union (SEA Actions), IIM, and Corruption Buster. The conference is expected to conclude with the announcement of a declaration symbolizing a renewed joint commitment among ASEAN nations to bolster anti-corruption efforts in the region.
Touching on the Jakarta Statement, Mustafar explained that it was first adopted in Jakarta, Indonesia, during a conference held from November 26 to 27, 2012. The event, organized by Indonesia’s KPK in collaboration with the UNDP, was attended by representatives from over 30 countries.
As a result of the conference, 16 key principles were established under the Jakarta Statement aimed at reinforcing the independence, authority, and operational effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies in the participating nations. The principles included clear mandates for anti-corruption agencies, the necessity of inter-agency cooperation, and the legal permanence of such agencies within their national frameworks. Additionally, it addressed guidelines on the appointment of agency heads, resource allocation, and the importance of transparent public reporting on operations and achievements.