The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is deepening its working relationship with Transparency International (TI) to advance anti-corruption efforts and strengthen governance systems across the country and internationally. A recent courtesy visit by TI chair François Valerian to MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman at the commission's Putrajaya headquarters underscored this commitment to expanding their collaborative agenda.
Datuk Azmi outlined MACC's determination to widen existing partnerships and identify fresh opportunities for joint action that would reinforce Malaysia's integrity framework. The commission operates through its National Governance Planning Division as the central coordinating body for the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force, working alongside six focus groups comprising ministries, government departments, universities, businesses and non-governmental organisations to assess factors influencing the country's CPI standing.
Malaysia demonstrated measurable progress in the 2025 CPI rankings, climbing three positions globally to reach 54th place while increasing its score by two points to 52. This improvement reflects sustained efforts to address governance challenges and institutional weaknesses identified through the special task force's analytical work.
Valerian emphasised that meaningful gains in CPI performance depend on deploying preventive strategies coupled with rigorous enforcement mechanisms. Transparency International backs cooperation between national anti-corruption agencies and advocates for adequate resource allocation and staffing to enable these bodies to function effectively while shielding them from political pressure.
Malaysia's aspiration to secure a position among the world's top 25 CPI performers by 2030 has received support from TI leadership, demonstrating international recognition of the country's anti-corruption drive and commitment to institutional reform.
