#Malaysia #Anti-Corruption #ICAC #ASEAN-PAC #Malacca City

Strengthening Regional Collaboration Against Corruption

The fight against corruption took center stage as ICAC Commissioner Mr. Woo Ying-ming led his delegation in concluding the 22nd Secretariat Meeting of the ASEAN Parties Against Corruption (ASEAN-PAC) in Malacca City, Malaysia. This significant gathering aimed to share crucial anti-corruption initiatives and the achievements of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), while also fostering stronger collaboration among member nations.

Mr. Woo, serving as the President of the IAACA, emphasized the urgent need for united front against corruption. "With a common mission of standing together against corruption, the IAACA and the ASEAN-PAC have grown closer, learned from one another, and worked hand-in-hand on the front lines. The establishment of a powerful regional coalition through these organizations is vital to tackle the increasingly cross-border, digital, complex, and secretive nature of corruption that we face today," he stated.

In addition to the main meeting, Mr. Woo participated in a seminar focused on promoting integrity in major infrastructure projects. This seminar was co-hosted by the ICAC, ASEAN-PAC, IAACA, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). At the seminar, Mr. Woo articulated that infrastructure serves as a backbone for nations, carrying essential services such as roads, power, and water. "Corruption in infrastructure projects not only leads to financial losses but also diminishes institutional credibility and erodes public trust," he remarked. The seminar emphasized the importance of sharing experiences to prevent corruption and promoted closer partnerships among global anti-corruption bodies.

Highlighting Corruption Risks
One of the key presentations featured Mr. Wong Wai-kit, Assistant Director of Operations at the ICAC, who discussed the various corruption risks associated with major infrastructure projects. His insights provided valuable lessons on effective investigative approaches that the ICAC has adopted over the years. Moreover, Senior Government Counsel from Hong Kong's Department of Justice, Mr. Jeff Chan Ka-hin, highlighted the significance of mutual legal assistance and informal collaboration for addressing transnational corruption and asset recovery missions.

The meeting and accompanying seminar attracted a diverse array of participants, including over 100 representatives from law enforcement agencies, government officials, and academics hailing from 11 ASEAN member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. International organizations also contributed to the rich discussions throughout the event.

While in Malaysia, the ICAC delegation held productive meetings with key figures in the region. Among them was the Chief Commissioner of the MACC, Dato' Sri Abd Halim Bin Aman. They also engaged with senior officials from the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Brunei Darussalam, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Myanmar, and Timor-Leste, fostering exchanges on mutual anti-corruption concerns.

Furthermore, the delegation met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia, Mr. Ouyang Yujing, where they shared the latest developments and efforts undertaken by the ICAC in combating corruption.

In conclusion, the ASEAN-PAC meeting in Malaysia marked a significant step toward establishing a stronger, more cooperative regional framework to effectively combat corruption. Through enhanced collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective determination, the nations involved are better equipped to face the complex challenges posed by corruption in the evolving landscape of governance and public service. As Mr. Woo aptly summarized, the journey against corruption requires unity, commitment, and a strategic approach to bring about real change in the Asia-Pacific region.