Continuing Fall In Corruption Index A "Wake-up Call," Says ACA D-G - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) director-general wants the continuing fall in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Malaysia, should serve as a "wake-up call" in efforts to rid the nation of the corruption menace.

Datuk Seri Zulkipli Mat Noor said the public must realise that the fight against corruption was not the ACA's job merely but also the responsibility of the people from all strata of society.

Interviewed in the RTM's "Selamat Pagi Malaysia" talkshow programme Sunday, he said the slide to the 44th spot from 39th in the Transparency International's latest CPI rating might be due to its study covering more countries now -- 163 compared with 140 previously.

"Normally, the CPI study is only on the civil service and not the private sector. Nevertheless, the findings should be taken as a wake-up call in efforts by all parties to wage an all-out war to wipe out corruption totally," he said.

Zulkipli said the political will to curb corruption in Malaysia was at a "very good level" in the administration stage with the support of the various laws.

He said public awareness on corrupt practices was on the rise but this did not necessarily mean it would be translated into a more positive cooperation to check the menace.

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