Malaysians Perceive Corruption To Be Declining - Survey - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, July 2 (Bernama) -- A local survey has revealed that Malaysians now perceive corruption in the country to be declining in contrast to findings by Transparency International.

The survey, which was done by the Statistics Department and funded by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), showed that from the total 10 points of the corruption perception index, Malaysia scored 6.79 points compared to 5.10 points in Transparency International's index. The lower the figure the worse the situation.

According to the National Integrity Perception Index Research Report 2007, which was launched, here today, the people's perception on corruption alleviation was expected to be better this year and in the future.

Malaysian Integrity Institute President, Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh when presenting the findings, said this was due to the government's development policy and increase in transparency, including efforts to make the Anti- Corruption Agency (ACA) a fully independent commission.

Speaking to reporters after the launching, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, however, said that both findings should not be compared as they involved different sets of respondents.

"This is the first time such the survey was conducted. It's a good start and will be the benchmark to improve national integrity," he said.

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