Kuala lumpur: Timor-Leste's admission as the newest member of the ASEAN Parties Against Corruption (ASEAN-PAC) is expected to strengthen regional cooperation in combating corruption, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abd Halim announced Timor-Leste's inclusion at the 22nd ASEAN-PAC Secretariat Meeting, emphasizing the guidance that the new member would receive through existing and future anti-corruption programs. He expressed confidence that Timor-Leste would actively engage with and support the regional anti-corruption plans.

The Secretariat Meeting, hosted by Malaysia, gathered representatives from ASEAN anti-corruption agencies to discuss enhancing cooperation and coordinating the region's anti-corruption initiatives. International organizations, including the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), were also in attendance.

Abd Halim highlighted the significance of the annual ASEAN-PAC meeting, noting that it serves as a platform to deepen regional cooperation and renew commitments to combating corruption. He mentioned that Malaysia, after organizing last year's meeting of heads of anti-corruption agencies, would hand over the chairmanship to Myanmar at the next meeting, expected in October.

He also emphasized the strong commitment of member states to ASEAN-PAC, noting that cooperation extends beyond annual meetings through various communication platforms. Abd Halim praised the member countries' support for ASEAN-PAC's development and reiterated the commitment to combating corruption across the ASEAN region.