ASEAN ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE: EVALUATE IMPLEMENTATION OF JAKARTA STATEMENT

By Mohd Adli Shahar

KUALA LUMPUR,  April 24 (Bernama) -- Putrajaya is poised to become a key venue for regional anti-corruption initiatives as representatives from anti-corruption agencies across ASEAN convene for the ASEAN Anti-Corruption Conference this Tuesday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

The one-day conference will be themed ‘Recalling Jakarta Statement’, referring to the landmark document introduced 13 years ago to uphold the principles and independence of anti-corruption agencies within the region.

Conference Organising Chairman Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said the gathering offers an important platform for participants to evaluate the implementation of the 16-point Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies 2012 and to strengthen regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

He emphasised that exchanging experiences related to the implementation of the Jakarta Statement is crucial, as it allows ASEAN member states to learn from one another’s best practices in combating corruption in their respective countries.

“Malaysia, through the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has introduced various initiatives that can serve as benchmarks. At the same time, we too have much to learn from the successes of agencies like Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

"If there are weaknesses in the implementation of the Jakarta Statement 2012, we will discuss together to ensure that the weaknesses can be resolved or streamlined and strengthened," he told Bernama.

Mustafar, who is also a Board Member of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), said all ASEAN member countries, as well as Timor Leste, have confirmed their participation.

He said apart from representatives of anti-corruption agencies, the conference will also be attended by representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and media practitioners from participating countries.

According to him, the conference will also feature presentations from several participating agencies, where delegates will share their work experiences, challenges, and best practices in combating corruption.

Among those scheduled to deliver presentations at the conference are Chief Secretary to the Government  Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto.

There will also be presentations by representatives from the United Nations Development Programmme (UNDP), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) from Hong Kong as well as anti-corruption practitioners who have worked at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria, he said.

Mustafar said the MACC serves as the main organiser of the conference, with support from several key partners including the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Union (SEA Actions), IIM, and Corruption Buster.

He said the conference is expected to culminate with the announcement of a declaration symbolising a renewed joint pledge and commitment among ASEAN nations to enhance anti-corruption efforts in the region.

Touching on the Jakarta Statement, he said, it was first adopted in Jakarta, Indonesia, following a conference held from November  26 to 27, 2012.

The event, organised by Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was attended by representatives from over 30 countries.

As an outcome of the conference, 16 key principles were established under the Jakarta Statement aimed at strengthening the independence, authority, and operational effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies in the participating nations.

Among the principles outlined were provisions concerning the clear mandate of anti-corruption agencies to combat corruption, the necessity of inter-agency cooperation, and the legal permanence of such agencies within their national frameworks.

It also addressed guidelines on the appointment of agency heads, the allocation of adequate resources, and the importance of transparent public reporting on their operations and achievements.

-- BERNAMA