SPECIAL REPORT: A Round-Up of Events in Asia-Pacific Marking the Int'l Anti-Corruption Day 2017 (9 December)
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BANGLADESH:
ACC Chairman calls for stand against corrupt people. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmud said that people should stand against the corrupt ones right now as their arrogance has crossed the limit during a discussion held as part of the Commission's celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day with the theme 'Come: Get united against the corrupt' at the auditorium of the Jatiya Natyashala of Bangladesh Shilapakala Academy. http://www.thedailystar.net/country/acc-chairman-iqbal-mahmud-calls-stand-against-corrupt-people-1502542
International Anti-Corruption Day observed. The International Anti-Corruption Day was observed across the country in a befitting manner with the theme 'Come, Get united against the corrupt'. ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmud inaugurated the function by releasing pigeons and festoons at its headquarters in the capital city. The ACC boss also unveiled a mass signature programme by putting his signature on the registry book. The signature campaign will continue until December 14. http://businessnews24bd.com/international-anti-corruption-day-observed/
Corruption is anti-development. On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), talks to Eresh Omar Jamal of The Daily Star about the corrosive impact of corruption, one of the biggest obstacles to Bangladesh's development, and how we can make progress in reducing it. http://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/interviews/corruption-anti-development-1502296
Anti Corruption Moot Court Competition. Dhaka University Moot Court Society (DUMCS), the pioneer mooting institution in the country, in collaboration with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), organised the Anti Corruption Moot Court Competition from December 7-9, 2017 at the University of Dhaka (DU). http://www.thedailystar.net/law-our-rights/dmucs-tib-anti-corruption-moot-court-competition-2017-held-du-1502947
Anti-corruption cartoon and photography exhibit. Apart from being a tool for engagement, sensitization, raising awareness and developing a sense of responsibility and commitment, the cartoons and photographs are also used in various communication materials for dissemination of anti-corruption messages in field-based civic engagement works on education, health, land, local government and climate change governance. http://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/exhibition/anti-corruption-cartoon-and-photography-exhibit-underway-1503520
FIJI:
Roadshow on Anti-Corruption. The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) will hold a nationwide road show to disseminate information on the importance of International Anti-Corruption Day and the work of FICAC. http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/57467/ficac-to-hold-roadshow-on-anti-corruption
Youth workshop. A half-day workshop held 5 December with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) featured a discussion with young people on how they can play an active role to prevent corruption in the Pacific region. This was followed by a panel discussion with panelists from the UN, Ministry of Youth, FICAC and civil society groups including the Pacific Youth Council and the Pacific Youth Forum Against Corruption. They day wrapped up with poets sharing pieces on corruption, the launch of the 2018 Pacific Youth Anti-Corruption Calendar, and the promotion of an Anti-Corruption Toolkit.
Anti-corruption lessons integrated into national education curriculum. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption is working with the Curriculum Development Unit from the Ministry of Education to have anti-corruption lessons integrated into the current national education curriculum. http://fijivillage.com/news/Anti-corruption-lessons-to-be-integrated-into-the-current-national-education-curriculum-s925rk/
Need to set a culture of transparency. These are the sentiments of the Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while delivering his address on International Anti-Corruption Day in Suva. http://fijivillage.com/news/There-is-a-need-to-set-a-culture-of-transparency-in-Fiji---AG-2skr59/
INDIA:
India among winners of Anti-Corruption Excellence Award. India was among the six winners honoured at the 'International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Awards 2017 held in Geneva on Friday, December 8, 2017. The Ceremony was held a day ahead of the 'International Anti-Corruption Day' observed yesterday – Saturday, December 9, 2017. The winners, from China, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, the USA and India, were honoured for their support extended to UNODC and its anti-corruption mandates, specifically, the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/india-among-winners-of-anti-corruption-excellence-award/
Anti-graft award for Bengaluru-based ipaidabribe.com. I Paid A Bribe - an anticorruption platform run by city based non-profit Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy - was conferred the International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award 2017 at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) on December 8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/anti-graft-award-for-bengaluru-based-ipaidabribe-com/articleshow/62046217.cms
INDONESIA:
Legal Enforcement is Important to Combat Corruption: President Jokowi. President Jokowi noted that Indonesia is one of the countries that have been active in enforcing the law in corruption cases which can be proven that since 2004 until now, at least 12 governors and as well as 64 mayors and regents have been arrested for committing corruption.http://setkab.go.id/en/legal-enforcement-is-important-to-combat-corruption-president-jokowi/
IRAN:
How business can help fight corruption. In celebration of a recent agreement between the Tehran Chamber of Commerce and a local university to launch a private-sector self-assessment tool on anti-corruption efforts, ICC Iran joined representatives from the Iranian government, NGOs and the private sector at the chamber, on 9 December, to explore how technology can boost implementation of the anti-corruption tool beyond Tehran. http://www.icc-iran.com/Fa/5167/%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%AD-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1-%DA%A9%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C.aspx
MALAYSIA:
Corporations, private agencies urged to uphold anti-corruption, integrity practices. Malaysian company Top Glove Corporation Berhad (Top Glove) in partnership with Transparency International Malaysia organised an Integrity Run 2017 event to mark International Anti Corruption in order to raise awareness among its employees, customers and vendors on the importance of anti-corruption and integrity practices. http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/corporations-private-agencies-urged-to-uphold-anti-corruption-integrity-pra
MYANMAR:
Commemorative event in Naypyitaw on 8 December, led by the Anti-Corruption Commission and supported by UNODC and UNDP. A new anti-Corruption Video titled 'United Against Corruption: We all can Help!" developed by the ACC with support from UNDP will be launched there and aired across the country on MRTV the following week. Awards for an essay competition that was administered in the education sector (high school), on anti-corruption and its negative effect on people's lives will also be presented on the day.
UN crime-fighting agency to help anti-corruption campaign. The United Nation's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will help boost the Myanmar's Anti-Corruption Commission in its bid to stamp out graft and dishonesty among government officials and civil servants, according to Jeremy Douglas, the UN agency's regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, during the celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in Nay Pyi Taw. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/un-crime-fighting-agency-help-anti-corruption-campaign.html
NEPAL:
Development partners to help Nepal govt. Nepal's development partners issued a joint press release on International Anti-Corruption Day 2017 stating: "We hope that this day will serve as a new beginning under a federal model of governance to redouble efforts to improve integrity, accountability and transparency in all walks of public life." https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/development-partners-help-govt/
Gov't has zero tolerance policy towards corruption, says PM. Addressing a programme organised by Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the government would extend all cooperation to anti-graft to prevent corruption and promote good governance. https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/govt-has-zero-tolerance-policy-towards-corruption-says-pm/
NEW ZEALAND:
International Anti-Corruption Day: NZ's good reputation brings risk. Kiwis are being urged not to rest on our laurels despite the country consistently being rated as having low levels of corruption. http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/12/international-anti-corruption-day-nz-s-good-reputation-brings-risk.html
PAKISTAN:
International Anti-Corruption Day observed: Rs290 billion recovered from corrupt people in 18 years, says DG NAB. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Lahore organised an event at Alhamra Arts Council. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/253503-international-anti-corruption-day-observed-rs290-bn-recovered-from-corrupt-people-in-18-years-says-dg-nab
Eradication of social evils must to end corruption: Mamnoon. President Mamnoon Hussain has said that a corruption-free society is possible only if the reasons behind social evils are seriously examined and work is done to eradicate them. https://www.dawn.com/news/1375240/eradication-of-social-evils-must-to-end-corruption-mamnoon
Government firm on eradicating corruption: Mamnoon. President Mamnoon Hussain said that eradication of corruption echoes in the voice of Pakistani nation and the government of Pakistan and its institutions are in unison for impartial, transparent and fair accountability in the country during a seminar titled "United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan" organised by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/253882-government-firm-on-eradicating-corruption-mamnoon
ACE drive against corruption continues. The Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab on Saturday continued its campaign for second consecutive day started in the wake of International Anti Corruption Day. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/254336-ace-drive-against-corruption-continues
UNDP to support innovative solutions to end corruption. As part of International Anti-Corruption Day initiatives, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed two new agreements to develop innovative solutions to end corruption and increase accountability in the country. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/12/12/undp-to-support-innovative-solutions-to-end-corruption/
PHILIPPINES:
ADB President Calls for Stronger Efforts to Fight Corruption. Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao has called for increased efforts from ADB staff, member governments, and other development partners to help fight corruption, money laundering, and other illicit activities that derail economic development and the achievement of social equity in the Asia and Pacific region during the celebration of International Anticorruption Day held at ADB headquarters in Manila. http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=3392:adb-president-calls-for-stronger-efforts-to-fight-corruption&Itemid=176
Class action suit vs Dengvaxia maker to mark International Anti-Corruption Day (op-ed). "Corruption affects almost all segments of the society – education, transportation, justice, and health, among others." http://www.manilatimes.net/class-action-suit-vs-dengvaxia-maker-mark-international-anti-corruption-day/367606/
SINGAPORE:
CPIB commends 18 individuals for acts against corruption. They include a police officer and tester at a safety driving centre that refused cash offers. http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/cpib-commends-18-individuals-for-acts-against-corruption-0
SRI LANKA:
Corruption attacks foundations of democracy (editorial). "Politicians need to ask what they could give to the country instead of finding ways of grabbing from the country." http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Corruption-attacks-foundations-of-democracy-141827.html
Today is World Anti Corruption Day (editorial). " Sri Lanka, as a developing country has suffered gravely as a result of corruption in the recent past. Therefore, it is time to stand against corruption, jointly as one nation." http://newsfirst.lk/english/2017/12/today-world-anti-corruption-day/178202
Foreign experts to fight bribes, corruption. In remarks during the Anti Corruption Day celebrations, Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake said the Government was mulling obtaining the assistance of external experts to carry out investigations on corruption. http://www.dailymirror.lk/141903/Foreign-experts-to-fight-bribes-corruption
Massive program to eradicate corruption and fraud - Law & Order Minister. The government is carrying out a massive program to eradicate corruption and fraud and the Finance Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) was set up to counter financial frauds, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayake said. http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17B/Dec10_1512896696CH.php
THAILAND:
International Anti-Corruption Day celebration hosted by the Royal Thai Government and UNODC. The event will be live broadcasted nationwide, capturing statements from UNODC and the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand, as well as present "Integrity and Transparency Assessment Awards, "Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption" Slogan Awards, and Integrity Bouquet Against Corruption Songwriting contest awards followed by activities.
Celebrating women fighting corruption in South and Southeast Asia Symposium. UNDP and UNODC co-hosted the symposium on 8 December to highlight how the fight against corruption is championed by many women, despite the common portrayal of women as being more adversely affected by it. Speakers include Undersecretary General Heidi Mendoza (former head of the Philippines's Commission on Audit), and Dasho Neten Zangmo (former head of ACC Bhutan and current president of Bhutan Kuen-Nyam political party).
PM urges Thais to help beat corruption. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has pledged to improve Thailand's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking while urging Thais to have zero-tolerance for graft during an event to mark International Anti-Corruption Day at Bangkok's Impact Muang Thong Thani convention centre. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30333581
International Anti-Corruption Day. Zero tolerance with corruption in Phuket. Phuket Governor Norapat Plodthong chaired the opening of the International Anti-Corruption Day event at Phuket Rajabhat University (December 9) under the concept 'Zero Tolerance with Corruption'. https://www.phuketgazette.net/news/international-anti-corruption-day-zero-tolerance-corruption-phuket
TIMOR-LESTE:
Anti-Corruption Commission celebrates Int'l Anti-Corruption Day with seminars. http://cac.tl/2017/12/cac-celebrates-international-anti-corruption-day-with-seminars/
VIET NAM:
Access to Information. In commemoration of the Anti-corruption Day (9th of December) and the Human Rights Day (10th of December), UNDP in collaboration with Oxfam Viet Nam, Care International, Centre for Education Promotion and Empowerment of Women (CEPEW), and the People's Participation Working Group organized a thematic policy discussion on "Access to Information for Increased Transparency and Anti-Corruption" in Hanoi, 8 December 2017.