International Anti-Corruption Academy Appoints Malaysia’s Azalina Othman Said as President
Historic Appointment Recognizes Malaysia’s Commitment to Fighting Corruption
PUTRAJAYA: The appointment as the president of the Assembly of Parties (AoP) of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) is a great honour for Malaysia and demonstrates the commitment of the MADANI government in the fight against corruption at the global level, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Welcoming the Recognition
Azalina was appointed president of the 13th session of AoP IACA during today’s AoP assembly at the Vienna International Centre. She said that the appointment marks the international community’s recognition and trust in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strong commitment and firm stance on corruption, which is a globally known fact.
"This appointment not only provides Malaysia the opportunity to show the country’s commitment and leadership in the fight against corruption internationally, but also serves as a mandate to bring about more meaningful change in the global effort to combat corruption," she said in a statement today.
A New Era in Anti-Corruption Efforts
Meanwhile, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU, JPM) highlighted that this historic appointment marks the first time Malaysia is entrusted with the highest position in the AoP IACA, a key platform for global capacity building in anti-corruption efforts. Azalina will lead the AoP Bureau and the IACA, consisting of 77 countries and four international organisations, in shaping policies and strategies for IACA to strengthen the academy’s role in professional anti-corruption education and training.
Building on Past Successes
Since the commencement of AoP IACA’s first session in 2012, Malaysia has only been elected vice president in four sessions, specifically in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2023. Azalina’s appointment marks a new era in Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts, building on past successes such as the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028.
Strengthening Anti-Corruption Initiatives
IACA’s recognition of Malaysia complements the country’s various anti-corruption initiatives, including the drafting of the Freedom of Information Bill, amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act, and updates to the Trustees Act. Malaysia is confident that the trust of an international body like IACA will drive the country towards becoming a corruption-free nation, ensuring the goal to rank among the top 25 countries in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index within the next 10 years becomes a reality.
Key Roles for Malaysian Officials
The statement also noted that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, has been reappointed as an IACA Board of Governors (BoG) member for the 2024-2027 session. This appointment will give Malaysia an advantage in setting the direction of IACA and ensuring a more effective anti-corruption agenda. Azam’s role in the BoG will also help strengthen the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy as a reputable anti-corruption training centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Azalina’s appointment as president of the AoP IACA is a significant milestone in Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts. It recognizes the country’s commitment to fighting corruption and demonstrates the international community’s trust in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance on corruption.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Azalina’s appointment as president of the AoP IACA?
A: It is a significant milestone in Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts, recognizing the country’s commitment to fighting corruption and demonstrating the international community’s trust in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance on corruption.
Q: What are the key roles for Malaysian officials in IACA?
A: Azalina will lead the AoP Bureau and the IACA, and Tan Sri Azam Baki has been reappointed as an IACA Board of Governors (BoG) member for the 2024-2027 session.
Q: What are the anti-corruption initiatives of the Malaysian government?
A: The government has initiated several anti-corruption initiatives, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, the drafting of the Freedom of Information Bill, amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act, and updates to the Trustees Act.