EIGHT SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS ENDORSE PUTRAJAYA DECLARATION TO STRENGTHEN ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 (Bernama) -- Anti-corruption agencies and related organisations across Southeast Asia today adopted the Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Agencies, reaffirming their collective commitment to combating corruption and promoting good governance, sustainable development, and societal well-being.

Endorsed by eight countries, the declaration was issued following a gathering in Putrajaya, highlighting the agencies’ shared dedication to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly Articles 6 and 36, which emphasises the establishment of independent anti-corruption bodies with adequate resources and autonomy.

The eight countries are Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Cambodia.

The declaration was read by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief commissioner Setyo Budianto.

The declaration acknowledges the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies as a guiding document to ensure the effectiveness and impartiality of such bodies.

The agencies further stressed the importance of independence in ensuring accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

The participating organisations recognised that developing and maintaining effective anti-corruption institutions is a complex task that requires sustained effort, cooperation and strong commitment. They also emphasised the significant role of non-state actors -- including civil society, the private sector, media and academia -- in supporting the fight against corruption.

In the declaration, the agencies expressed strong support for the establishment and strengthening of independent anti-corruption agencies in all jurisdictions, recognising them as vital to preventing and tackling corruption effectively.

They pledged to take collective action to build and sustain these institutions, committing to work together, share experiences, and extend mutual support in overcoming related challenges. The agencies also welcomed the participation of other relevant stakeholders in these efforts.

The declaration underlined the importance of information sharing as a key component of anti-corruption work. The agencies committed to enhancing cooperation in the exchange of information, including with the private sector, while respecting respective legal frameworks, to facilitate effective investigations and prosecutions.

They also agreed to share best practices in the development and operations of anti-corruption bodies, including investigative techniques, prevention strategies, asset recovery mechanisms, and measures to uphold transparency and accountability.

The signatories further pledged to foster a culture of integrity through advocacy, engagement and constructive dialogue, working in partnership with governments, international bodies, civil society, the private sector, the media and academia.

The declaration encouraged the continuation of research and education on anti-corruption by national and international organisations.

The agencies welcomed methodologies to measure the effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies, including those developed by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other partners.

All agencies were invited to take part in such research and education initiatives to further strengthen their effectiveness.

In closing, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the implementation of UNCAC and the principles outlined in the Jakarta Statement and its Colombo Commentary, both within their respective jurisdictions and across the region.

-- BERNAMA