BERNAMA – Empirical Research Key To More Effective Anti-corruption Policies

SEPANG, Sept 18 (Bernama) — Empirical research and accurate data analysis are key to developing sustainable, evidence-based national policies and reinforcing the fight against corruption and good governance, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

He said countries that have successfully implemented anti-corruption policies and governance reforms started by conducting early research, empirical studies, and thorough risk assessments.

He said Hong Kong, Austria, and South Korea have proven that data-driven anti-corruption policies not only expose weaknesses in the system but also spur administrative reforms and strengthen economic competitiveness.

“Malaysia has also shown its political and administrative commitment to fighting corruption through several national policies, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), backed by regular corruption risk assessments and strengthened public sector governance.

“Still, the digital era, greater information transparency, and cross-border economic networks present new challenges that call for stronger and more strategically coordinated research on governance, integrity, and anti-corruption across all stakeholders,” he said.

He made the remarks at the opening of the 4th National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Research Conference here today, which was also attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Azam said that empirical studies are crucial in identifying gaps and weaknesses in existing policies, implementation, and systems, and form an important basis for building more sustainable, focused, and effective data-driven policies.

“In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, fighting corruption and promoting transparency requires a fact-based, evidence-driven approach supported by impactful research,” he said.

He said the research findings presented at the national conference would be especially valuable for policymakers and lawmakers in shaping comprehensive, high-impact policies.

“Data on risks and gap analyses of weaknesses in governance, integrity, and corruption in the identified sectors will help stakeholders design more effective strategies to close loopholes and prevent leakages, manipulation, and corruption,” he said.

Azam expressed hope that the research findings would be translated into practical, actionable recommendations and resolutions and presented to higher-level policy platforms, such as the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance (JKKTN), for consideration and implementation.

The two-day conference, organised by the MACC and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), is themed “Pembanterasan Rasuah: Bertunjangkan Tatakelola Baik dan Pembudayaan Integriti” (Combating Corruption: Rooted in Good Governance and a Culture of Integrity) and serves as a platform to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices in strengthening governance, fostering integrity, and combating corruption.

— BERNAMA

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