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Pressure to change: a new donor approach to anti-corruption? (Blog).  “This blog suggests that the role of incentives (and disincentives) has been underused. Incentivising elites away from corrupt practices (or disincentivising their prevailing behaviours) could be key. Donor programmes need to re-think their strategy, which also means working much more in conjunction with other levers available to their governments.” Phil Mason/Public Administration Review:  https://www.publicadministrationreview.com/2018/10/22/pressure/   Dr M outlines need for governance reform in delivering 11MP's mid-term report.  “The government revealed its plans for the second term of the 11th Malaysian Plan (11MP) for the year 2018 to 2020, putting emphasis on enhancing the resilience of the nation's economy and the well-being of the people, with the first step as reform of governance towards enhancing transparency and efficiency of public services. Maniraja...

Why re-think corruption? An introduction to the symposium (Blog series).  Increasingly, those engaged in tackling corruption – notably researchers, international financial organisations, civil society organisations and dedicated anticorruption agencies – have been calling for a ‘rethink’ of our approach, both in regard to how we understand corruption itself and also how we should go about addressing it. Elizabeth Dávid-Barrett and Paul M. Heywood/Public Administration Review: https://www.publicadministrationreview.com/2018/10/22/615/   GPF launches environmentally and socially focused portfolio.  “Government Pension Fund (GPF), Thailand’s largest institutional investor, has launched an environment, social and governance (ESG)-focused portfolio to invest in Thailand-listed companies amid a worldwide equity sell-off.” Wichit Chaitrong/The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/business/30357207   ...

Uniting against corruption (Blog).  “Many member states are now in the process of localizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which acknowledges that fighting corruption is not only crucial for building peaceful, just and inclusive societies, it is also one of the conditions for accelerating progress towards the achievement of all Sustainable Development Goals.” Anga Tamilsina/United Nations Development Programme: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2018/uniting-against-corruption.html   Maha official gets 3 years in jail in Rs 5 lakh bribery case.  A special anti-corruption court sentenced an assistant charity commissioner to three years in jail for taking a bribe of Rs 5 lakh (approx. 68,000 USD) to pass a favourable order over a disputed piece of land. Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/maha-official-gets-3-years-in-jail-in-rs-5-lakh-bribery-case-118102201275_1.html   T...

Strong Pacific youth voice needs to be heard on integrity.   Given the fact that 60 percent of Pacific people are youth, involving young people in the fight against corruption is essential, says a Solomon Islands youth representative at the 18 th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/strong-pacific-youth-voice-needs-to-be-heard-on-integrity.html   FIJI: Bankers told to be alert: Buksh.   Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Razim Buskh yesterday reminded bankers and lawyers at Fiji Institute of Bankers workshop of their role as money laundering gatekeepers. http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/10/19/bankers-told-to-be-alert-buksh/ Fiji political parties told to keep campaigning clean.  "Political parties need to show and demonstrate that they are taking ownership of these important protections for the voter and by developing their own codes of con...

New technologies are a powerful tool to tackle corruption (News release).  Corruption threatens progress and peace, particularly for the poorest but new technologies can be used as a powerful tool to tackle it, said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator at the IACC in Copenhagen. United Nations Development Programme: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/news-centre/news/2018/-undp--new-technologies-are-a-powerful-tool-to-tackle-corruption.html   Maldives Court Frees Opposition Leader Convicted of Bribery.  The High Court, in hearing an appeal by the opposition leader Qasim Ibrahim, said that there were procedural violations by the Criminal Court in convicting him. VOA News:https://www.voanews.com/a/maldives-court-frees-opposition-leader-convicted-of-bribery/4623599.html   Why talking about procurement should be at the top of the agenda when talking about corruption (Blog).  Governments can play their role as a market regulator and as a buye...

Good Practices in Public Sector Excellence to Prevent Corruption (Resource).  The report features: Section I an introduction to the study; Sections II and III the conceptual framework of public sector excellence and the prevention of corruption; Section IV the linkages between public sector excellence and the prevention of corruption; Section V the major findings from case studies and recommendations from the good practices; Section VI the 18 case studies sorted by the six thematic areas. United Nations Development Programme:  http://www.anti-corruption.org/2018/10/17/good-practices-in-public-sector-excellence-to-prevent-corruption/   International aid and development finance, corruption risks and the need for more transparency (Blog).  “ Considering aid and corruption in the international development space therefore requires going beyond looking at ‘how much is lost’ and encourages us to ask instead: do we know where, how and for what...

Senior Hong Kong policeman jailed for 28 months for pocketing HK$570,000 in bribes.  A Hong Kong police superintendent who admitted to pocketing HK$570,000 (US$72,700) in bribes was sentenced to 28 months in jail, as the judge slammed the senior officer for neglecting his role as a law enforcer. Sum Lok-kei/South China Morning Post:  https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/2169103/senior-hong-kong-policeman-jailed-28-months-hk570000   A tax on the poor to benefit the rich: Corruption and Inequality (Blog).  “Arguably the greatest impact on inequality and poverty is ‘grand corruption’, the large-scale looting of state resources and organised influence of state actions by elites.” Max Lawson/Open Government Partnership: https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/tax-on-poor-benefit-rich-corruption-and-inequality   Japan firms fined $3.4M over train bidding corruption.  Two major construction comp...

China to help Pakistan curb corruption.  The Chinese Minister of International Development assured PM Khan of China’s support and cooperation to successfully implement the agenda of fighting corruption, alleviating poverty and developing agriculture. Muhammad Saleh Zaafir/The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/381328-china-to-help-pakistan-curb-corruption   Bribery Probe Hurts One of Southeast Asia's Biggest Projects.  “The home of Lippo Group’s Deputy Chairman James Riady was searched by anti-graft officials, the latest development in a bribery probe that has entangled one of Indonesia’s leading business conglomerates and thrown into doubt the future of a major development project touted as the “Shenzhen of Indonesia.” Harry Suhartono and David Yong/Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-17/arrests-leave-one-of-southeast-asia-s-biggest-projects-in-limbo   Corruption now a thing of t...

Building a peaceful and safer world through collective action in the fight against corruption (Blog).  “This will focus on setting ambitious objectives to tackle corruption together, including promoting beneficial ownership transparency, including the possibility of establishing public registries; and making sure that published contracting data and documents meet global best practices.” Delia Ferreira, Mari Kiviniemi, Sanjay Pradan and Ulla Tornaes/Transparency International: https://voices.transparency.org/building-a-peaceful-and-safer-world-through-collective-action-in-the-fight-against-corruption-84523edc8982   Irrawaddy Govt Tells Ex-Chief Minister to Return Over $3 M in Development Funds.  The Irrawaddy Region government has warned its former chief minister to return within two months the 5.2 billion kyats ($3.28 million) he collected in regional development funds but had so far failed to hand over to new government – otherwise he w...

Passports a ticket to corruption in the Pacific Islands.    Since the early 1980s, Pacific island countries have sold passports to foreigners. Vanuatu is the most prominent supplier today. Passport sales in the first half of 2018 brought the country about US$39.3 million — 9 per cent of GDP. http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2018/10/13/passports-a-ticket-to-corruption-in-the-pacific-islands/   FIJI: Ex-School Manager Pleads Not Guilty To Corruption Charge.    A not guilty plea was entered in the Labasa Magistrates Court on October 8 by a former school manager charged with corruption. http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/10/13/ex-school-manager-pleads-not-guilty-to-corruption-charge/ Father and son deny corruption charges.   A father and son have pleaded not guilty to corruption-related offences before Lautoka Magistrate Rangajeeva Wimalasena. https://www.fijitimes.com/father-and-son-deny-corruption-charges/ Ex-civil servant pleads not guilty to...

Korean Air chief indicted on embezzlement, other charges: prosecutors.  Korean Air Lines Chairman Cho Yang-ho was indicted on Monday on charges including embezzlement and breach of trust, South Korean prosecutors said, adding to a string of woes at the country’s biggest airline group. Heekyong Yang/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-korean-air-probe/korean-air-chief-indicted-on-embezzlement-other-charges-prosecutors-idUSKCN1MP0GS   China expels two top former generals from Communist Party for corruption.  China expelled two disgraced former generals, Fang Fenghui and Zhang Yang from the Communist Party for corruption – the latter posthumously - saying the pair’s disloyalty and greed had damaged the military, according to the state media. Philip Wen/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-corruption-military/china-expels-two-top-former-generals-from-communist-party-for-corruption-idUSKCN1MQ1HC   $90k worth of...

Kalasin woman a victim of corruption in fund for disabled people.  Ratree Khamuntha, 66, was among many victims of alleged irregularities in the project for people with disability in Kalasin, Thailand whereby people were told to open bank accounts and place their ATM cards and bank books under the care of the project staff in exchange for Bt2,000-Bt4,000 in monthly allowance, not knowing there we entitled to Bt9,125 (USD280) Jakkapong Rawiwan/The Nation : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30356416   Anti-Corruption Commission to Review Complaint Calling for Investigation of Losses of Public Funds.   The findings of the auditor general’s report on the Yangon government’s budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year—submitted to the parliament in September—has not only stoked heated discussions among lawmakers in the parliament, but also attracted much public attention to the huge loss of public funds, including through the leasing...

Single legal instrument to combat corruption.   The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Legal Affairs (anti-corruption) and Media has agreed to consolidate all laws relating to bribery and corruption, and to formulate a comprehensive single piece of legislation that will encompass all offenses and standards according to the UNCAC, hopefully by early next year. Anurangi Singh/Sunday Observer:  http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2018/10/14/news/single-legal-instrument-combat-corruption   China’s detention of ex-Interpol chief highlights the arrogance of its anti-corruption investigators (Opinion).  “Chinese officials may believe their domestic considerations trump international concerns, but the universally negative international reaction to the way Meng’s detention was handled and announced has sounded another warning to China as it trumpets its aspirations to be a responsible world power.” Wang Xiangwei/South China Morning Post: https:...

Indonesia offers up to Rp 200 million for reporting graft.  The new regulation, issued by the Law and Human Rights Ministry, stipulates that informants who provide tips to the authorities regarding possible graft will be awarded with an official certificate and paid up to Rp 200 million (US$13,137). The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30356176   Toward Global Standards for Defense Sector Governance (Blog).  “TI is launching an initiative to formulate, formalize, and promote a set of global principles that underpin responsible, accountable governance of military power—principles that would embrace the idea that the military must be accountable to the people and that would, if followed, improve domestic governance of the defense sector.” Amira El-Sayed/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/10/04/guest-post-is-an-international-anti-corruption-court-a-dream-or-a-distraction/...

Super-power procurement: four ways open contracting is making cities smart (Opinion).  “We have seen that integrating open contracting into larger city change processes can save money and time, deliver better goods and services, engage more and more diverse vendors or flag political linkages and corruption risks.” Kathrin Frauscher and Coby Jones/Apolitical: https://apolitical.co/solution_article/super-power-procurement-four-ways-open-contracting-is-making-cities-smart/   Don't Act On Anonymous Corruption Complaints, Government Departments Told.  India’s Personnel Ministry said no action is required to be taken on anonymous and pseudonymous complaints, irrespective of the nature of the allegation and that such complaints need to be simply filed – while the Central Vigilance Commission also issued similar instructions. NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/no-action-needed-on-anonymous-corruption-complaints-centre-to-departments-...

COOK ISLANDS: Law officers conference starts today.   The three-day event kicks off today and the attending law officers, who are the prosecutors and legal advisers to the governments of 16 Pacific Islands member nations, will hear presentations on a number of different topics. http://cookislandsnews.com/national/local/item/70983-law-officers-conference-starts-today/70983-law-officers-conference-starts-today   FIJI: Former PWD duo jailed on corruption charges.   Two former employees of the then-Public Works Department (PWD) have been sentenced by the High Court in Suva. https://www.fijitimes.com/former-pwd-duo-jailed-on-corruption-charges/   PAPUA NEW GUINEA: PNG anti-corruption commission compromised – activist.   An activist in Papua New Guinea is accusing the government of establishing an interim Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to investigate political opponents. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacifi...

Thai officials removed for taking 'tips' from Chinese tourists.  “Four immigration officials at a busy Bangkok airport have been demoted after a probe found they were taking bribes from Chinese tourists to fast-track their visa applications.” Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thai-officials-removed-for-taking-tips-from-chinese-tourists-10808532   ADB, OECD sign agreement to deepen partnership for Asia-Pacific.  ADB said the agreement covers the period 2019-2023 and commits the two organizations to work together to promote policy dialogue, results management, knowledge sharing, and mutual learning, including on anti-corruption, tax policy and administration, macroeconomic policy, and data collection and analyses. Xinhua:http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/10/c_137523319.htm   US Prosecutors: China Corruption Case Grows Stronger.  Left largely unnoticed in the U.S., the corruption case against Patrick ...

Former Interpol chief 'held in China under new form of custody'.  Meng Hongwei who is being investigated for bribery in China, seems to have been detained under “liuzhi” or “retention in custody”, which can deny detainees access to legal counsel or families for as long as six months; the measure is used by the National Supervisory Commission (NSC), China’s new super-agency. Lily Kuo/The Guardian :https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/09/former-interpol-chief-meng-hongwei-china-anti-graft   In Malaysia Airports, no landing space for corruption.   Malaysia Airports Holdings acting CEO said that Section 17a of the new act regarding gift-giving and receiving provides it with an opportunity to show its commitment to transparency, and that the company is currently working with MACC on how best to achieve this. Robin Augustin/Free Malaysia Today :  https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/10/05/in-malaysia-air...

Khan promises ‘whistleblower’ law to fight official corruption.   Pakistani Prime Minister said a draft of the law will be presented in parliament in the very near future and will include protections for whistleblowers as well as a reward at 20% the value of the assets recovered. Asia Times: http://www.atimes.com/article/khan-promises-whistleblower-law-to-fight-official-corruption/   Missing Interpol chief Meng Hongwei under investigation, China's anti-corruption watchdog says.  The National Supervisory Commission said Public Security Ministry Vice-Minister Meng Hongwei is currently under investigation by for suspected violations of law, in a first message on the case since Mr. Meng’s disappearance was reported in France. Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-anti-graft-agency-macc-seized-rm2-5-billion-cash-10769334   KPK Nabs Six People, Including Tax Officials, for Alleged Bribery in Ambon....

World Bank debars several Indian firms for fraudulent & corrupt practices.  In its latest annual report, the World Bank said Olive Health Care and Jay Modi from India have been debarred from for their fraudulent and corrupt practices     Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/world-bank-debars-several-indian-firms-for-fraudulent-corrupt-practices-118100400075_1.html   Is an International Anti-Corruption Court a Dream or a Distraction? (Blog).  “ An [International Anti-Corruption Court] is an exciting idea, to be sure, but given the hard-won experience derived from 16 years of the [International Criminal Court], I fear that this proposal may be a distraction from more effective responses to the worldwide scourge of grand corruption.” Alex Whiting/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/10/04/guest-post-is-an-international-anti-corruption-court-a-dream-or-a-di...

Another former South Korea president jailed for corruption.  Former South Korea president Lee Myung-bak was fined 11.5 million USD and sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday for corruption, the latest in a string of former leaders of the country who have faced similar charges after leaving office. Simon Denyer and Min Joo Kim/The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/another-former-south-korea-president-jailed-for-corruption/2018/10/05/7e216cc6-c866-11e8-9158-09630a6d8725_story.html?utm_term=.0dc3970d528c   Pakistan’s anti-graft body arrests opposition leader.   The National Accountability Bureau in a statement said it arrested Shahbaz Sharif over his alleged links to a million-dollar housing scam after questioning him for several hours at its office in Lahore. Zaheer Babar/The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-anti-graft-body-arrests-opposition-leader-over-scam/2018/10/05/...

FIJI: Ex-Sugar Research Institute CEO In Court For Corruption-Related Charges.  The former acting chief executive of­ficer of the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF), San­jay Prakash, has been charged by the Fiji Independ­ent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) on corrup­tion related matters. https://fijisun.com.fj/2018/10/03/ex-sugar-research-institute-ceo-in-court-for-corruption-related-charges/ Ex-Bureau Employee In Court On Fraud Charges.   Kelera Nokelevu appeared be­fore Magistrate Waleen George charged with one count each of obtaining financial advantage and using forged documents by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/10/05/ex-bureau-employee-in-court-on-fraud-charges/ Woman In Human Trafficking Case Further Remanded.   Woman charged with alleged hu­man trafficking was further re­manded by High Court of Suva yesterday. http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/10/05/woman-in-...

MACC wants Govt to consider proposal to cane the corrupt.  “MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull (pic) said the proposed punishment on caning directly reflected the serious efforts of the agency in wanting to eradicate corruption in an all-out manner.” The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/09/30/macc-wants-govt-to-consider-proposal-to-cane-the-corrupt/   Military Immunity Forgotten Amid Corruption Crackdown (Analysis).  “ According to anti-graft czar U Aung Kyi, corruption cases related to the military are beyond the mandate of the commission, because the Constitution grants the military the right to tackle corruption within its ranks using internal mechanisms.” Nyein Nyein/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/analysis-military-immunity-forgotten-amid-corruption-crackdown.html   Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive a huge success, says new book.  ...