The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is deepening its collaborative efforts with Transparency International (TI) to advance anti-corruption work and uphold standards of governance and integrity across Malaysia and the globe. The partnership was reaffirmed during a recent visit by TI chair François Valerian to MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman at the commission's Putrajaya headquarters.

Datuk Azmi highlighted MACC's determination to expand the existing arrangement and identify fresh avenues for joint initiatives that could strengthen Malaysia's integrity framework. He underscored the commission's recognition of the strong partnership cultivated with TI and pledged ongoing support for initiatives promoting good governance, transparency and anti-corruption principles.

Through its National Governance Planning Division, MACC serves as principal secretariat for the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force. The commission works in tandem with government ministries, agencies, universities, businesses and NGOs through six dedicated CPI focus groups to pinpoint elements influencing Malaysia's CPI standing. The country's 2025 CPI score rose to 52 from 50, while its global ranking improved three positions to 54th place.

Valerian stressed that sustained improvements in CPI performance require both robust preventive measures and rigorous enforcement. He noted that TI welcomes collaboration with anti-corruption bodies seeking to enhance their nations' corruption perceptions scores. For anti-corruption agencies to function effectively, he added, they must enjoy sufficient funding and staffing levels while remaining insulated from political pressure.

Valerian expressed support for Malaysia's goal of reaching the top 25 CPI rankings by 2030, signalling international backing for the country's anti-corruption trajectory.