Collective Effort Needed In Battle Against Graft Says Shamsul

---

 The chief secretary to the government says integrity is a legacy that must be passed on to future generations.
Chief secretary to the government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said leaders’ political will to fight graft must be matched with strong institutions.PUTRAJAYA: The fight against corruption demands collective commitment, political courage, and a “people-first” mindset, says chief secretary to the government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar
Speaking at the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference here, Shamsul said Asean’s diversity and economic growth faced serious risks from corruption. He also said leaders’ political will to fight graft must be matched with strong institutions.
“Integrity is not a slogan. It is a responsibility, a daily commitment, a legacy we must pass on to future generations,” he said.
“Let us build an Asean that leads not only in growth, but in governance.”
Shamsul said the Jakarta Principles could help Asean countries by setting common standards, strengthening legal frameworks and cross-border efforts, and empowering independent anti-corruption bodies.
Separately, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki and Indonesia’s anti-graft agency chief Setyo Budiyanto announced the Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Agencies.
The Putrajaya Declaration, announced at the conference, reaffirmed the commitment of Southeast Asian anti-corruption agencies to strengthen independent bodies in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
It also calls for greater collective action, information sharing, and collaboration in fighting graft, including partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and academia.
The declaration pledged to exchange best practices on investigations, prevention, and asset recovery measures; emphasised the need for continuous research and education on anti-corruption efforts; and pushed for the promotion of the Jakarta Principles. - FMT

---