The government needs to be more transparent in its processes and procurement despite the country’s improvement in ranking in the the recently announced Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2014, said the Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca).
Its secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj added that the government needs to build the rakyat’s confidence that taxpayer’s money are in good hands and used for better purposes.
“This is good but the government should continue to be more transparent.
“We need a more open and transparent government, with less leakages. So when people are asked to make sacrifices, they should be able to feel confident that the money collected to increase revenue for the government will translate into benefits, such as better public transport and healthcare.
“With the increasing cost of living, people are feeling the pinch. They need to see the money collected translated into better quality living," said Paul when contacted by Astro AWANI today.
Malaysia's position went up three places in the CPI 2014 to rank 50th out of the 175 countries surveyed. It was ranked 53rd last year.
The annual survey, undertaken by Transparency International, gauges the perceived level of corruption in the public sector.
Malaysia scored 52 out of 100 (0 being most corrupt and 100 as corruption free), placing it as second least corrupted country in the ASEAN region, behind Singapore at seventh place.
In announcing the index results on Wednesday, Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) lauded the government's effort in combating graft. A score of 52 is the highest recorded by Malaysia since 2004.
President of TI-M Datuk Akhbar Satar attributed improved ranking to the anti-graft body Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act (MACC), resulting in an increase in scoring since it was established in 2009.
However, it noted concerns about transparency on political financing, ownership control of companies, and public procurement.
Cynthia Ng
Thu Dec 04 2014
PAUL: The government needs to build the rakyats confidence that taxpayers money are in good hands and used for better purposes.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.