NCJ Number
200246
Date Published
October 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This document discusses corruption and transnational organized crime in Malaysia.
Abstract
Forms of corruption are divided into petty corruption, gift, and big corruption. Corruption erodes the moral fabric of every society, violates the rights of the poor and vulnerable, and denies societies the benefits of free and open competition. The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in Malaysia aims to eliminate all forms of corruption and abuse prohibited by government regulations and the laws of the country. Three principal strategies are identified to achieve this. Reinforcement strategy focuses on reinforcing the professionalism of its officers as well as enhancing cooperation with other international anti-corruption law enforcement agencies and the mass media. Encouragement and prevention strategy emphasizes unwavering efforts to inculcate noble value, prevent corruption, and improve supervision when enforcing laws and regulations. Enforcement strategy involves implementing new laws to enhance the powers of the ACA so they will include aspects of mandatory punishment and burden of proof. In 1999, ACA Malaysia received 7,829 complaints and reports through various sources. Only 45 percent of the information received contained elements of corruption capable of open and covert investigations while 28 percent contained only general complaints in connection to the services and administration of certain departments or private companies. A total of 289 persons were arrested. The most investigated offense of corruption was related to accepting benefits by an agent. An agent was any person employed by or acting for another. Countermeasures against corruption in Malaysia include the Anti-Corruption Act of 1997, the Integrity Management Committee, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The Anti-Corruption Act of 1997 widened and enhanced the scope of the ACA and included provisions pertaining to the forfeiture of property and the explanation of excessive properties acquired or held. The Integrity Management Committee’s objective is to create a government and public administration that is efficient, disciplined, and imbued with the highest integrity. The Anti-Money Laundering Act includes 119 serious offenses and provides a strong foundation for efforts in countering money laundering. 3 tables