Kuala lumpur: The government's commitment to table four major legal reforms in Parliament this year is seen as a clear signal of Malaysia's seriousness in strengthening institutional integrity and governance, with the potential to improve the country's standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Director-General (Policy and Development) of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Dr Punitha Silivarajoo stated that Malaysia's current position of 57th out of 180 countries, with a score of 50 out of 100, reflects the urgent need for structural and systemic reforms rather than cosmetic measures.
She highlighted that the four key reforms include a constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister's tenure, the separation of the roles of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, the enactment of a Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, and the establishment of a Malaysian Ombudsman. These reforms directly address core components assessed under the CPI.
'The CPI does not merely measure perceptions of corruption. It also evaluates policy direction, reform commitment, and the government's capacity to implement institutional change effectively. This makes this year particularly critical, given the magnitude of the reforms,' she said in an exclusive interview.
Punitha emphasized that an open system, independent prosecution, and more restrained political power could improve perceptions of national integrity and be reflected in a higher CPI score. The CPI, published by Transparency International, is widely used by investors, financial institutions, and the international community to assess a country's integrity and governance standards.
Punitha said the government is targeting an improvement in Malaysia's CPI score to around 68 to 70 within the next five years, aiming to place the country among the top 25 globally, aligning with efforts to enhance the nation's image and restore investor confidence.
She stressed that legal reform is not an overnight process, noting that efforts began as early as 2018 and require extensive engagement involving government agencies, the judiciary, Members of Parliament, and civil society organisations.
Commenting on the proposal to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to two terms or 10 years, Punitha remarked that the move is crucial to prevent prolonged concentration of political power, often linked to corruption and cronyism.
Punitha explained that the separation of the roles of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor aims to ensure prosecutions are carried out independently and professionally, free from conflicts of interest or political influence.
She elaborated on the FOI Act, noting that it is designed as a balancing mechanism that grants public access to government information without compromising national interests, while ensuring sensitive information remains protected.
Punitha also discussed the establishment of an independent Malaysian Ombudsman, which would provide a neutral platform for the public to lodge complaints regarding maladministration and misconduct in the public service. The Ombudsman would investigate complaints transparently and independently, protecting whistle-blowers and fostering a stronger culture of accountability.