Eight Southeast Asian nations back Putrajaya Declaration on tackling graft

Stress need to foster culture of integrity, noting that combating corruption requires multi-dimensional approach 

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (MNTV) – Eight Southeast Asian countries have agreed to support the Putrajaya Declaration regarding the efforts that anti-corruption agencies need to undertake in their respective countries, New Straits Times reports.

The declaration, made at the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference, has been adopted by Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor Leste, and Cambodia.

It sets out seven priorities focused on the independence, transparency and effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies as the foundation for good governance and sustainable development in the region.

Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said that these matters were agreed upon by all countries participating in the conference.

The Putrajaya Declaration also prioritizes the need to foster a culture of integrity, noting that combating corruption requires a multi-dimensional approach. 

This includes encouraging anti-corruption research and education, as well as strengthening the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly Article 36, which calls for the establishment of independent and professional anti-corruption enforcement bodies. 

The Putrajaya Declaration was jointly read by the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Azam Baki, and the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission’s Chief Commissioner Setyo Budiyanto.

As part of the regional commitment, MACC will also host the 21st Asean Parties Against Corruption (Asean-PAC) Leaders’ Meeting in October.