MANJUNG: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is confident that Malaysia can achieve its target of 25th position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranking by 2033, provided all parties work together with MACC. Its deputy chief commissioner (Prevention), Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali, stated that although challenging, the goal is attainable through collective efforts to improve the country’s CPI score and ranking.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Norazlan emphasized that combating corruption and fostering a culture of integrity should not solely depend on MACC’s enforcement actions or educational initiatives. It is a shared responsibility among all Malaysian citizens. “We cannot expect MACC to work alone while society dreams of making Malaysia a corruption-free country. Malaysia can only reduce its corruption rate if all stakeholders think, strive, act, and engage directly in the fight against corruption. This collaboration is absolutely crucial,” he remarked at the opening ceremony of t
he MACC Manjung branch.
Also present at the ceremony were MACC deputy chief commissioner (Management and Professionalism) Datuk Junipah Wandi and Perak MACC state director, Datuk Ahmad Sabri Mohamed. In 2023, Malaysia’s CPI improved by three points to 50, compared to 47 in 2022, elevating the country to 57th position out of 180 countries, up from 61st in 2022. Within ASEAN, Malaysia ranks second, trailing Singapore, which scored 83 and ranked 5th globally.
During the Budget 2025 presentation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, announced an increase in MACC’s allocation to RM360 million in 2025, up from RM338 million last year. Meanwhile, Ahmad Sabri mentioned that the MACC leadership had decided to relocate the MACC Teluk Intan branch office to Manjung, considering Manjung’s strategic location and rapid economic development.
“The new MACC Manjung branch is situated at Jalan Datuk Ahmad Yunus, near Sitiawan, and was previously the Sitiawan Public Library since 1990. I
t was handed over to the Perak MACC on June 5 this year and is equipped with a branch chief’s room, officer workspaces, a complaint room, and an operations control room. The Manjung branch will function not only within the district but also extend to the Perak Tengah, Bagan Datuk, and Hilir Perak districts,” he explained. From 2020 to 2023, the Perak MACC received 63 reports and complaints related to corruption in Manjung, averaging about 16 reports per year.
“From 2020 until Oct 31, 2024, 21 investigation papers have been opened, 10 of which were opened this year, while 11 cases have been charged in court,” Ahmad Sabri added.