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Fighting corruption in Indonesia with Elearning.  KPK, in collaboration with the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) and others joined the growing list national and political entities using eLearning for public education by launching their Anticorruption Academy, a free, open eLearning platform intended to help the general public identify and prevent corruption. Henry Kronk/Elearning Inside : https://news.elearninginside.com/fighting-corruption-in-indonesia-with-elearning/   Govt urged to follow Chinese anti-corruption model.   The Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders (ICST) said the government should follow the Chinese anti-corruption model to eradicate corruption and pave way for rapid national development. Saeed Ahmed/The News : https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/371973-govt-urged-to-follow-chinese-anti-corruption-model   IPCMC in line with the government's move to combat corruption.  Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that t...

Scandal-tainted ministry must regain discipline and public trust (Editorial).   “The ministry needs to ensure that the rules concerning officials’ contacts with interested parties will be observed strictly and re-examine the operations and responsibilities of each section to identify potential problems, if any, that could undermine the fairness of the administrative process.” The Asahi Shimbun: http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201809220031.html   Ministry looks to mandatory CoST scheme.  The Comptroller-General's Department is considering criteria that would include a minimum project value requiring the construction sector transparency initiative to be applied to state projects, the finance permanent secretary. Wichit Chantanusornsiri/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1542610/ministry-looks-to-mandatory-cost-scheme   State Audit helps ensure corruption-free use of State budget: chief auditor (Intervie...

Lawmakers Call for End to Disciplinary Transfers of Corrupt, Incompetent Officials.  Lawmakers have criticized the unofficial but long-standing practice of transferring civil servants to border and ethnic areas of the country as a disciplinary measure, and called for an end to such practice under a federal Union system.   Htet Naing Zaw/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/lawmakers-call-end-disciplinary-transfers-corrupt-incompetent-officials.html   To tackle corruption, start with inequality (Commentary).   “To truly resolve public anxieties about corruption and corrupt officials, it is not enough to stage high-profile arrests and trials. We must first address the widespread belief that our society has grown increasingly polarized between the rich and the poor.”   Li Hui/Sixth Tone:  https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1002938/to-tackle-corruption%2C-start-with-inequality   Raising standards in climate f...

The cost of corruption: Bt100 billion.  Sungsidh Piriyarangsan, a respected academic, said his “cautious estimate” put the damages at between Bt50 billion and Bt100 billion (approx. 3 billion USD) for 2018 alone, based on the findings of 14 studies on corruption funded by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30354747   Laos Sports Games Suspended Over Corruption Concerns.   The games, set to be held over a two-week period and drawing participants from around the country, have now been suspended until November 2019 by order of Prime Minister amid concerns over possible corruption in the awarding of contracts for construction in preparation for the event. Radio Free Asia: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/games-09182018143353.html   Chinese Director Guo Jingyu Exposes Corruption in Television Industry.  Corruption within China’s television indu...

Inconvenient Realities: Climate Change And The South Pacific (Op-Ed).   Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, she said with soothing corruption, would be added to Australia’s Pacific Labour Scheme, nothing less than a traditional, extracting incentive for the Australian economy. http://www.eurasiareview.com/20092018-inconvenient-realities-climate-change-and-the-south-pacific-oped/   SAMOA: Samoa minster retracts statement about CEO's sacking.   Samoa's Minister for Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Papalii Niko Lee Hang, has retracted his statement made to local media which claimed that the Ministry's CEO had been sacked. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/366981/samoa-minster-retracts-statement-about-ceo-s-sacking   Chief executive of Samoa works ministry sacked.   The minister said the basis of the termination was poor management and a breach of contract. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-ne...

Britain, Pakistan to Join Efforts to Curb Corruption, Terror.  Britain's home secretary Sajid Javid says on a visit to Pakistan that the eradication of corruption is a priority for both countries and announced a new partnership between them that would strive for "justice and accountability. VOA News: https://www.voanews.com/a/britain-pakistan-to-join-efforts-to-curb-corruption-terror/4574678.html Bangkok - A Thai court Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit accusing duty-free giant King Power, the firm that owns Leicester City Football Club, of owing the state more than $430 million in unpaid revenues.  The complaint filed by an anti-graft official alleging that King Power executives, working with airport officials, paid a smaller share of revenues than was required to operate in Bangkok's busy terminals was thrown out by Bangkok’s Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30354735 ...

Transparency in Corporate Reporting (Resource).  The report by Toward Transparency in Viet Nam investigates the extent of information published by the 45 largest companies on anti-corruption programme, organisation structure and key financial information. Toward Transparency : https://towardstransparency.vn/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TTs-BC-TRAC-2018-Trang-17-8-2018-EN-1.pdf   Panel says it’s targeting corruption, not specific people.   The Anti-Corruption Commission Myanmar is not targeting certain people or organizations but is focused on eliminating corruption because it causes poverty in Myanmar, the country’s chief graft buster said. Chan Thar/Myanmar Times : https://www.mmtimes.com/news/panel-says-its-targeting-corruption-not-specific-people.html   Corruption is hard to hide if you're a politician whose face is wide (Research).  The new Caltech study is the first to show that observers have a knack for picking out corr...

Business Integrity in High Tech Parks in Vietnam: A survey report (Resource).  The report provides a snapshot of bribery challenges faced by companies in the high-tech parks located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the measures put in place to mitigate these risks. Towards Transparency Viet Nam: https://towardstransparency.vn/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-TT-BI-HTP.pdf   North Sumatra has largest number of officials convicted of graft: BKN.   Based on the data that the National Civil Service Agency (BKN) examined from the Law and Human Rights Ministry’s Corrections Directorate General, it was found that of those 298 convicted in North Sumatra, eleven percent work for the provincial administration, while the rest work at the regency or city level. The Jakarta Post: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/09/15/north-sumatra-has-largest-number-of-officials-convicted-of-graft-bkn.html   Corruption, throughout history a...

ACT accelerates its probe into chemicals.  The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) submitted a letter demanding the Agriculture Ministry reveal the names and information on companies that are selling hazardous farm chemicals in the country, and more broadly, demanding improvement in transparency in government’s regulation of farm chemicals. Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1538846/act-accelerates-its-probe-into-chemicals   China to strengthen anti-graft cooperation with Caribbean countries.  “China has reached an important consensus on anti-graft law enforcement cooperation with 11 Caribbean countries, according to the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission” Li Xia/Xinhua: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/12/c_137463662.htm   Yangon Attorney General, Five Others Arrested for Corruption in Comedian’s Mu...

Foreign Bribery Crackdowns Haven’t Dented Practice, Report Says.  “Efforts to crack down on foreign bribery have failed to stem the practice as a proportion of global trade, despite some high-profile anti-corruption cases, according to a report by Transparency International.” Alan Katz/Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-11/foreign-bribery-enforcement-hasn-t-dented-practice-report-says?utm_source=google&utm_medium=bd&cmpId=google   Politician seen as Malaysia's future leader says his scandal-hit nation can become corruption-free.   “In an environment with credible agencies and efficient services to rid the county of graft — elements that will not only make business more efficient but also cheaper — incoming foreign investment is sure to rise,” Mr. Anwar Ibrahim said. Nyshka Chandran/CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/12/anwar-ibrahim-malaysia-can-become-corruption-free.html ...

EU fund targets fish laundering in the Pacific.   The European Union says its new funding agreement with marine agencies in the Pacific will help prevent fish laundering in the region. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/366115/eu-fund-targets-fish-laundering-in-the-pacific   KIRIBATI: Kiribati leaders to sign pledges on climate action and killing corruption.   Leaders at all levels of Kiribati society have been invited to publicly sign two pledges on climate action and fighting corruption at an event in Tarawa today. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/365978/kiribati-leaders-to-sign-pledges-on-climate-action-and-killing-corruption   VANUATU: Call for prosecution of those implicated in EU money scandal in Vanuatu.  Vanuatu MP Francois Sani has called on the Government to prosecute MPs, public servants and provincial administrators who have been implicated in an over $US2.5 million scandal. https://www.r...

UN chief calls for efforts to stem corruption.  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Security Council for more efforts from member states to fight corruption, which is present in all countries, rich and poor, North and South, developed and developing. Xinhua: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/11/c_137459077.htm   The New Frontier: Using Artificial Intelligence To Help Fight Corruption (Blog).  “…a hybrid of human efforts and the transformative power of AI technology has the potential to enable compliance officers, governments, investigators, and others to unearth the truth hiding amid thickets of data, and in so doing empower both public and private sector actors to fight corruption more effectively.” Helen Jiang/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/09/10/the-new-frontier-using-artificial-intelligence-to-help-fight-corruption/   China continues to sharpen its teeth agai...

KPK Increases Budget to Handle Corruption Cases in 2019.  The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to increase the number of corruption cases it will handle in 2019 to 200 cases, which is a 100 percent increase from its initial plan. Taufiq Siddiq/Tempo.co : https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2018/09/05/055921396/KPK-Increases-Budget-to-Handle-Corruption-Cases-in-2019   NAB approves corruption inquiry against Pakistan’s new defence minister.   The National Accountability Bureau has approved 14 inquiries against newly appointed Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani and others in different corruption cases. Mahmood Idrees/Daily Pakistan : https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/nab-approves-corruption-inquiry-against-pakistans-new-defence-minister/   Singapore recovers $11.1m linked to 1MDB Malaysia Fund.  A Singaporean court has ordered the return of 15.3 million Singapore dollars ($11.1 ...

Seeking, taking sexual favour offence under anti-graft law.  Seeking and accepting sexual favours can be considered a bribe under India's new Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2018, with the accused getting up to seven years jail term. The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/seeking-taking-sexual-favour-offence-under-anti-graft-law/articleshow/65746849.cms   Govt to amend accountability law to avoid harassment.   The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to amend the accountability law in an attempt to keep a suitable check on corruption cases in order to avoid unnecessary harassment, after several multinational companies move to wrap up operations in Pakistan and file cases in international courts against corruption investigation initiated by the anti-corruption watchdog. Zafar Bhutta/The Express Tribune: https://tribune.com.pk/story/1797994/2-govt-amend-accountability-law-avoid-harassment/   GDT ...

Govt spends $1.6 million per month to pay officials convicted of graft.  The National Civil Service Agency revealed that of the 2,674 civil servants that were convicted of corruption, 317 were dishonorably dismissed, meaning the remaining 2,357 are still active as civil servants and, therefore, still get a monthly salary. The Jakarta Post: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/09/07/govt-spends-1-6-million-per-month-to-pay-officials-convicted-of-graft.html   Integrity Pacts: A Contractual Approach to Facilitate Civic Monitoring of Public Procurement (Blog).  “So long as [the Independent External Monitors] have a clear mandate, rights, and obligations, and the necessary expertise, they can ensure greater transparency and accountability in the procurement process.” Helen Jiang/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/09/07/integrity-pacts-a-contractual-approach-to-facilitate-civic-monitoring-of-public-contr...

Indonesia’s Independent Corruption Fighters Intensify Their War.   Feared and hated by many elites in a country notorious for systemic corruption, KPK took on the major bribery case in city of Malang at a time when it is under political attack and potentially at risk of being curtailed by proposed wide-ranging changes to the criminal code. Max Walden/VOA: https://www.voanews.com/a/indonesia-independent-corruption-fighters-intensify-their-war/4559990.html   Ensuring that climate funds reach those in need.   Based on the principles of transparency, accountability and participation, the Climate Adaptation Finance Governance standards can be applied to any climate project around the world. Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/ensuring_that_climate_funds_reach_those_in_need   Toward open governance (Commentary).  “These fresh and active [public officials serving their first terms in office] are ideal...

NAURU: Pacific leaders assert common values and strength.  Pacific Leaders meeting in Nauru this week are expected to send a strong signal to new and emerging global powers entering the region to 'toe the line' on common issues that are dear to them - like climate change and ocean conservation and management. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/365640/pacific-leaders-assert-common-values-and-strength Corruption, incompetence and a musical: Nauru's cursed history.   A series of corrupt and incompetent governments found extravagant and spectacular ways to lose the country’s wealth, including, notoriously, funding a disastrous West End musical based on the life of Leonardo da Vinci. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/04/corruption-incompetence-and-a-musical-naurus-riches-to-rags-tale?CMP=twt_gu Nauru: a nation in democratic freefall propped up by Australia.  The Australian federal police has confirmed to Guardian Australia tha...

Ex-Hong Kong deputy economic development secretary and Airport Authority boss charged with two counts of bribery over HK$510,000 property deal.  A former deputy secretary who is the husband of a high-ranking Hong Kong official was charged with bribery for allegedly accepting HK$510,000 (US$65,000) from a Macau ­businesswoman who is a sister-in-law of gaming tycoon Stanley Ho Hung-sun. Christy Leung/South China Morning Post : https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/2162243/former-hong-kong-economic-development-minister-and   Graft-busting student recruited by anti-corruption office.   The 23-year-old university student who exposed nationwide embezzlement in the distribution of financial aid for the destitute has accepted the offer of a job at the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission’s Khon Khaen office. Chakkrapan Natanri/Bangkok Post : https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1531694/graft-busting-student-recruited-by-...

Open Government Partnership Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting 2018.  The meeting on 5-6 November 2018 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, will provide an opportunity for OGP members and non-members to share lived experiences and explore a path towards open government under the themes of promoting participatory democracy, improving governance for a better life for all, and renewing public trust through government innovation. Registration is open now until 15 October 2018.  Open Government Partnership: http://www.ogpkorea.com/main.asp   Crying conspiracy hurts the war on corruption (Opinion).   “Conspiracy claims tossed about without verification can hamper the fight against corruption because, if left unchallenged, future politicians will copy the practice.” The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30353471   How a power generator exposed rampant corruption in the Chennai Corporation.  “Thus, with a view to ...

ACT claims billions in state funds saved.  “The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) celebrated its 7th anniversary, with chairman Pramon Sutivong saying the organization has helped save 25.1 billion baht of state funds that could have been lost to corruption over the past seven years, crediting the success partly to the state procurement act of 2017 and the initiation of “integrity pacts” to ensure transparency and competition in government contracts. Patpon Sabpaitoon/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1530674/act-claims-billions-in-state-funds-saved   Eight Malaysian former spies under probe for graft.  A group of former agents from Malaysia’s foreign intelligence agency, including its chief, are being investigated for alleged misappropriation of government funds, a senior Malaysian anti-graft official said. Joseph Sipalan and Rozanna Latiff/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-cor...

UTCC survey finds corruption ebbing.   According  to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s biannual Corruption Situation Index survey, Thailand improved in the first half of the year, thanks in part to the government taking serious action with respect to the temple funds embezzlement scandal and irregularities in an embezzlement-hit welfare fund intended to help poor students. Phusadee Arunmas/Bangkok Post:   https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1523078/UTCC-survey-finds-corruption-ebbing#cxrecs_s   Corruption and Gender Inequality in the Age of #MeToo (Blog).   “Fatafta [Transparency International’s regional advisor] highlighted how the UNCAC views corruption through an economic lens and fails to address its human rights and gender components.” Caroline Bettinger-Lopez, Rebecca Hughes and Rachel Vogelstein/Council on Foreign Relations: https://www.cfr.org/blog/corruption-and-gender-inequality-age-metoo ...

FIJI: Ex-LTA Officer To Hear Ruling On September 14.  The court ruling of a man charged with bribery, abuse of office and attempting to prevent justice, will be heard on September 21. http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/30/ex-lta-officer-to-hear-ruling-on-september-14/ Forgeries Will Be Reported To Police, FICAC, TLTB Tells.   “At TLTB, we have found out that letters brought into our office which has signatures are signed on behalf of the person’s parents, siblings or cousins” http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/30/forgeries-will-be-reported-to-police-ficac-tltb-tells/ Lawyers Agree To Chand Trial Date.  The trial of former Fiji National University Vice Chancellor Ganesh Chand will take place from De­cember 3 to December 14, 2018. https://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/30/lawyers-agree-to-chand-trial-date/ Appeal granted against acquittal.   The High Court in Suva today granted an appeal by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption...