THE current euphoria in the country for reforms of the judiciary and now a fully independent anti-corruption agency are worthy to nurture and pursue. However, a recent history to earlier promises to combat corruption is noteworthy.

On Dec 9, 2003 Malaysia sent a team to Merida, Mexico and took the anti-corruption pledge with 94 other states by signing the Convention Against Corruption when it was first opened for signature. The promise then was that the pledge would be followed by Malaysia ratifying and implementing the convention domestically.

In 2005 when I met the Attorney-General, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, in my then capacity as TI-M president, he assured me that his department was then actively in preparation for ratification and by early 2006 the convention would be ratified.

To date Malaysia has not ratified the convention when 107 states have and many are implementing it. Those nations that have ratified and are implementing the convention benefit from the its provisions including the return of assets stolen by dictators and other public officials, prevent money laundering, pursue corrupt foreign companies and individuals, prohibit bribery of foreign public officials and enhance accounting and auditing standards in the private sector.

Having ratified the closely related Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime on Sept 24, 2004 the government must explain why this Convention Against Corruption is not ratified and implemented as promised since 2003.

The convention’s provisions would be effective tools for a fully independent anti-corruption agency to combat corruption. The government is urged to ratify and implement the convention without delay if it is serious about combating corruption.

Param Cumaraswamy
Kuala Lumpur

Source: The Sun – April 24, 2008