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Corruption and Your Money (Blog).   “The chart shows that overall, the least corrupt governments collect 4 percent of GDP more in tax revenues than countries at the same level of economic development with the highest levels of corruption.” IMF Blog : https://blogs.imf.org/2019/05/28/corruption-and-your-money/   Why the WTO should tackle border corruption (Blog).   “In sum, the [World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body] provides a forum well suited to combat trade-related bribery. A limited anticorruption agenda fits neatly within the WTO’s ambit and would make valuable use of the DSB’s expertise and resources.” Jonathan Eubank/The Global Anticorruption Blog:  https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/05/27/why-the-wto-should-tackle-border-corruption/   Fiscal Futures: Financial transparency in the era of financial war (Blog).  “It may be necessary for stewards of global financial i...

Exclusive: The Graft Network Around Disgraced Shaanxi Chief.  At least six businessmen have come onto investigators’ radar as they probe the corruption case of Zhao Zhengyong, former Communist Party chief of Northwest China’s resources-rich Shaanxi province. Relatives of Zhao including his wife, daughter and brother have also become targets of graft investigators, according to several sources. Xiao Hui, Luo Guoping, Han Wei, Lin Jinbing and Timmy Shen/Caixin: https://www.caixinglobal.com/2019-05-24/exclusive-the-graft-network-around-disgraced-shaanxi-chief-101419266.html   Afghan officials call for probe into sexual favours scandal.   Afghan officials, including the nation's chief executive, have called for an investigation into allegations that high-level government members were offering jobs in exchange for sexual favours, although some do question the motives of the accusers.   Ali M Latifi/Al Jazeera :  https://www.aljazeera...

Exclusive: Why Britain wants global procurement reform.   “While the conversation starts with tackling corruption and increasing integrity, it very quickly turns to digital transformation of government”, Warren Smith, Head of the Global Digital Marketplace Programme, UK says. Medha Basu/GovInsider: https://govinsider.asia/connected-gov/britain-globale-procurement-reform-warren-smith-uk-gds/   Maldives: What 100 days of a new presidency tells us about the fight against corruption (Blog).  “ The government is making progress towards its commitments, including publication of declaration of assets of senior public officials and revocation of anti-democratic laws and introduction of legislature to protect whistleblowers. While these are good first steps, immediate systemic reforms are required to combat corruption effectively.” Mariyam Shiuna/Voice for Transparency (TI blog): https://voices.transparency.org/maldives-what-100-days-of-a-...

Bank Manager Demanded Bribe from Farmers Seeking Loan, ACC Sa.  The Myanmar Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a lawsuit against the manager of a Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank branch in Irrawaddy Region’s Kyaunggon Township for allegedly misappropriating agricultural loans, requesting 700,000 kyats from farmers to approve their request for a loan. Htun Htun/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/bank-manager-demanded-bribe-farmers-seeking-loan-acc-sa.html   Treasurer of Indonesian Sport Committee sent to jail in graft case.   An Indonesian court for anti-graft crimes sent Johny E Aquy, a treasurer of the country's Sport Committee to jail for bribing officials in the Youth and Sport Ministry to speed up the approval and disbursement of grants, in Indonesia’s effort to clear the sport sector from such irregularity. Xinhua: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-05/21/c_138077496.htm   Iran tightens noose on...

Cooperation, Lack of Accountability Biggest Challenges for Anti-Graft Body, Says Chairman.   MyanmarAnti-Corruption Commission Chairman U Aung Kyi told the Union Parliament that an unwillingness to cooperate, as well as a lack of accountability and transparency, are the commission’s biggest challenges. He said he was not pleased with responses from the concerned departments that they had transferred the cases to. San Yamin Aung/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/cooperation-lack-accountability-biggest-challenges-anti-graft-body-says-chairman.html   Cleaning up corruption in Malaysia goes beyond Najib (Opinion).   “The [1MDB] scandal has made Najib the poster boy for corruption in Malaysia. While this is well-deserved, it is also important to understand that the rot goes far deeper than one man.” Cynthia Gabriel/Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/cleaning-corruption-malaysia-najib-190522110246585.html ...

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: First-ever PNG Youths Fashion Show.  The first-ever PNG Youths Fashion Show held during the weekend was created to support the work of Youth Against Corruption Association (YACA) and the WeCARe Foundation. http://www.looppng.com/entertainment/first-ever-png-youths-fashion-show-84398 Manase wants to push corruption bill this year.  Ministerof Justice and Attorney-General Alfred Manase says he will ensure that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Bill is passed in Parliament this year. https://www.thenational.com.pg/manase-wants-to-push-corruption-bill-this-year/   VANUATU: On China’s mainland, its millionaires ponder a Chinexit.   Vanuatu, a Pacific island country, is probably the most successful in this regard; citizenship is available to those who invest $150,000 or more, and this program is so popular that the money accounts for 24 per cent of Vanuatu’s total government revenue…Clearly, China...

Practice Alert: Key differences in UK Bribery Act guidance versus FCPA guidance (Blog).   “…given the extra-territoriality of both laws and active enforcement, many international firms will need to consider both the U.S. and UK guidance when designing and implementing their controls.” Sam Tate/The FCPA Blog : http://www.fcpablog.com/blog/2019/5/20/practice-alert-key-differences-in-uk-bribery-act-guidance-ve.html   Thinking about GovTech – A Brief Guide for Policymakers (Resource).  “…a prevalence of disastrous, expensive IT projects points to a profound lack of government oversight in private-sector partnerships, indicating carelessness, lack of capacity, or even corruption…It is thus incumbent upon policymakers to reconceive how they buy, use, and regulate the technologies of twenty-first century governance.” Tanya Filer/Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge:  https://www.bennetti...

Corruption making inroads into Pakatan Harapan, warns Anwar.  Anwar Ibrahim, the “prime minister-in-waiting” said that people should not blindly support the Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition, adding that it was imperative for party members to speak out against leaders who had gained sudden wealth. Channel News Asia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-corruption-making-inroads-pakatan-harapan-anwar-ibrahim-11542038   One Sentenced, One at Large in Mandalay Corruption Case.  As the Department of Rural Road Development distributed the money to vendors, the two individuals charged abused their power by diverting a total of three percent of the costs—or 10.278 million kyats (US$6,660)—to their own pockets, although one still remains at large. De Hlaing Winn/The Irrawaddy:  https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/one-sentenced-one-large-mandalay-corruption-case.html   LTO-7 moves to rid itself of corrupt practi...

New Podcast Episode, Featuring Bo Rothstein (Blog/Podcast).   This KickBack Podcast episode discusses “a range of topics, including the right way to define corruption (and its opposite), how the field of anticorruption studies has changed in the past 20 years, what we’ve learned about the most effective ways of addressing systemic corruption, and what ought to be at the top of the agenda for future research.” Matthew Stephenson/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/05/14/new-podcast-episode-featuring-bo-rothstein/   Ex-managing director of investment bank charged with bribery over IPO of logistics company.  Catherine Leung Kar-cheung, former managing director of J.P. Morgan has been charged by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) with bribing the chairman of a logistics company with an employment of the chairman’s son with the bank for the chairman showing favour to the...

Battling Corruption in Indonesia’s Elections (Opinion).   “Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) developed rekamjejak.net, the country’s first comprehensive database of parliamentary candidates. In addition to providing basic information on candidates, like their estimated wealth and business links, rekamjejak.net helps voters learn whether or not incumbents have had corruption charges levied against them during their time in parliament.” Donal Fariz/The Diplomat: https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/battling-corruption-in-indonesias-elections/   Why it makes good business sense to focus on environmental, social and corporate governance practices (Opinion/Video).  “More corporations realise that [Environment, Social and Corporate Governance] policies that take care of the environment, their staff and the public matter – not just by demonstrating corporate integrity but also as sound fiscal acuity. Andrew Sun/South China Morning...

Ministers may soon add anti-corruption measures to their KPIs.   Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) has proposed to the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) that ministers should undertake these five anti-corruption measures at their ministries as part of the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP).   The Edge Markets:  https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/dr-mahathir-wants-lawmakers-declare-assets-antigraft-drive   Throwing money at corruption (Commentary).   “…it is highly unlikely that bumping up a few salaries or giving better allowances will result in a significant drop in Indonesia’s corruption statistics. More than likely, the government there will need to look at a more holistic approach which not only involves those in employment but the nation as a whole.” Sheith Khidhir/The ASEAN Post: https://theaseanpost.com/a...

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 2019 Walk Against Corruption launched.  Transparency International PNG launched 13th Annual Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption on May 16th. http://www.looppng.com/png-news/2019-walk-against-corruption-launched-84312 PNG’s Prime Minister Delays No-Confidence Vote by Adjourning Parliament.  A vote of no confidence was slated to take place on May 16 to remove Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill from office. https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/pngs-prime-minister-delays-no-confidence-vote-by-adjourning-parliament/ PNG PM rewards loyal coalition partners with portfolios.   Mr O'Neill has rewarded main coalition parties who have stayed with him during an ongoing political wrestle as the opposition prepares for a vote of no confidence against him, for example with ministerial seats for Defense, Health, and Transport and Infrastructure. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/389161/png-pm-rewards...

SDG Accountability Handbook (Resource).   This practical guide for civil society features examples from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand’s anti-corruption commissions’ use of Consumer Price Index data as a key performance indicator to measure anti-corruption efforts (page 67). Transparency, Accountability & Participation for 2030 Agenda (TAP Network):  https://sdgaccountability.org/about-the-handbook/   Real reasons for Vietnam’s crackdown on graft (Opinion).   “What makes sense (and what Hanoi appears to be doing) is to sort out the most profitable and competent firms from those that are institutionally incompetent and corrupt, and stop the latter from leeching off the state’s restricted funds.” David Hutt/Asia Times : https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/05/opinion/real-reasons-for-vietnams-crackdown-on-graft/   Responsible practices are key to BRI’s success.  “[Chinese companies participat...

'Culture of integrity' key to fighting corruption (Interview).  “The end goal of the nation's anti-corruption policy drive should be to establish a culture of integrity in the private sector, but the ongoing government-led institutional reforms focus mainly on the public area, according to Park Un-jong, chairwoman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC).” Lee Min-hyung/The Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/05/356_268689.html   Kit Siang: Never forget lesson of 1MDB in order to become ‘nation of integrity’.  “If there had been no change of government a year ago, Malaysia will be hurtling towards the trajectory of a failed, rogue and kleptocratic state, pawning the rights and interests of our children and children’s children,” Lim Kit Siang, leader of Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party said; as a result, Malaysians must never forget or stop talking about 1MDB or Najib...

Observatory of Public Sector Innovation – Open Government Case Studies.   A mapping by OECD of notable open government initiatives around the world, where users can screen for ‘Open Government Tags’ such as “accountability”, “anti-corruption”, “open data”, “integrity”, etc. OECD OPSI: https://oecd-opsi.org/case_type/open-government/   Malaysia: Power and Corruption (Feature video).  Al Jazeera’s 101 East lifts the curtain on the alleged corruption of the former Prime Minister, Najib Razak, and his wife, Rosmah, and investigates how key institutions were rendered powerless as the nation's coffers were robbed. Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/2019/05/malaysia-power-corruption-190509052155970.html   An effective judiciary should be independent as well as accountable (Commentary).  “ As I argue in my book Independence and Accountability of t...

Ex-vice minister summoned for questioning over sex bribery scandal.  Republic of Korea’s Former Vice Justice Minister Kim Hak-eui who retired from public service in 2013 appeared before the prosecution for the first time to undergo questioning with regard to allegations of rape, abuse of power, and accepting bribes in the form of sexual services. Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190509000624   IPCMC one step closer to reality after positive talks with cops.  “The Independent Police Complaints Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) looks set to be a reality, following positive discussions between the police and the National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC).” Joseph Kaos Jr/The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/10/ipcmc-one-step-closer-to-reality-after-positive-talks-with-cop/   Suspicions Raised in Mon State Development Contract.  Min Htin Aung Han, f...

SDG Localization In ASEAN: Experiences In Shaping Policy And Implementation Pathways (Resource).   The report is a collection of various case studies from across ASEAN which demonstrate the role of key enablers in localizing the SDGs, including an example from Thailand’s public procurement reform and the role of private sector in promoting good governance and anti-corruption. ASEAN-China-UNDP: http://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/library/sustainable-development/sdg-localization-in-asean--experiences-in-shaping-policy-and-imp.html   New OECD Report Highlights the Importance of Non-Trial Resolutions in Foreign Bribery Cases (Blog/Resource).  “The [Resolving Foreign Cases with Non-Trial Resolutions] report finds that close to 80% of the almost 900 foreign bribery cases concluded since the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention came into force have been concluded through non-trial resolutions, and among the three most active enforcers of fore...

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Solomon Islands new govt prioritises mining reforms.  Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare says his new government is prioritising productive sector reforms including new mining legislation, after a recent incident revealed the inadequacies of the current mining law when it comes to holding mining companies accountable. https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/388745/solomon-islands-new-govt-prioritises-mining-reforms   PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Papua New Guinea leader sees off rebellion by MPs despite mass defections.  Despite the resignation of dozens of ministers and accusations of corruption, Peter O’Neill appears to have outmaneuvered the opposition. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/08/papua-new-guinea-leader-sees-off-rebellion-by-mps-despite-mass-defections Papua New Guinea politics in chaos as MPs table no-confidence motion in PM.  Papua New Guinea has lurched into a new political crisis,...

UNDP Fair Biz in ASEAN Quarterly Newsletter.  Check out UNDP ‘Promoting a Fair Business Environment in ASEAN’ project’s the latest updates for the period of January to April 2019, with highlights in areas of public procurement, business integrity, anti-corruption strategies and judicial integrity. UNDP: https://mailchi.mp/278f86619685/fairbizinasean?e=e25eae1c8c   Fighting corruption in Indonesia with art, music and creativity (Blog).   “Given the positive community feedback from recent TI-Indonesia films and events, in the coming year, TI-Indonesia plans to do more to link popular Indonesian culture with the fight against corruption. If we can make anti-corruption efforts part of daily life, we can make change happen and shake people out of their apathy towards corruption.” Transparency International Indonesia : https://voices.transparency.org/fighting-corruption-in-indonesia-with-art-music-and-creativity-9bebb802b93 ...

Hyundai admits bribing Indonesian politician for power plant construction.  A spokesman at Hyundai's headquarters in Seoul said it gave a large sum of money to Cirebon Regent Sunjaya Purwadisastra through a broker to calm protesting residents in the area over the construction of a coal-fired power plant project in West Java. Jung Min-ho/The Korea Times: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2019/05/693_268175.html   Dr M: Pakatan will continue to combat corruption despite decline in support.   Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the Pakatan Harapan government will continue with the agenda to combat corruption, despite the decline in public support for the government and himself. The Star:  https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/30/dr-m-pakatan-will-continue-to-combat-corruption-despite-decline-in-support/   Iran sentences president's brother to prison for corruption.   “A court in Iran has s...

GIACC discussing National Anti-Corruption Plan with state governments - Abu Kassim.   The National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) is working with state governments on the implementation of National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP); so far, they have had six dialogue sessions with six state governments. New Straits Times: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/482774/giacc-discussing-national-anti-corruption-plan-state-governments-abu   How the (Once) Most Corrupt Country in the World Got Clean(er) (Commentary).  “ What else can the KPK teach? Nugroho pointed to three factors that make his organization more effective than many others. First, its independence…Second, its extraordinary powers…The third element is KPK’s willingness to go after targets across the political spectrum.” Jonah Blank/The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/05/lessons-indonesia-fighting-corrupti...

Fiscal Futures: Media’s Role in Reporting Fiscal Topics is a Matter of Relevance (Blog).  “The lesson for future media reporting about fiscal accountability: make it personal! …Fiscal accountability is an abstract notion that is hard to associate with real tangible impact. However, a lack of fiscal accountability translates into a whole chain of tangible consequences: fiscal mismanagement, austerity, corruption, and poverty, just to name a few. And poverty, for example, does have a face.” Petra Blum/Transparency and Accountability Initiative: https://www.transparency-initiative.org/blog/4874/fiscal-futures-medias-role-in-reporting-fiscal-topics-is-a-matter-of-relevance/   It’s the luxuries that give it away. To fight corruption, follow the goods. (Analysis)   “In countries where paying bribes to government officials to secure government contracts or operating licences is common practice, luxury goods are often used ins...

Pacific media freedom and news ‘black holes’ worsen for World Press Freedom Day.  While Pacific countries have got off rather lightly in a major global media freedom report last month with most named countries apparently “improving”, the reality is that politicians are becoming more intolerant and belligerent towards news media and information “black holes” are growing. https://asiapacificreport.nz/2019/05/03/pacific-media-freedom-and-news-black-holes-worsen-for-world-press-day/   SOLOMON ISLANDS: Riots in the Solomon Islands Greet Returned Prime Minister.  After the relatively smooth election campaign in the Solomon Islands earlier this month — the first election since the withdrawal of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island (RAMSI) peacekeeping forces — the hope was that the post-election period would be similarly calm. https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/riots-in-the-solomon-islands-greet-returne...

New Report: Corporate Tax Transparency Becoming the Global Norm.   Titled “Trending Toward Transparency: The Rise of Public Country-by-Country Reporting,” the report highlights the growing support among various sectors of the investing, business, and policymaking communities as well as several enacted and proposed rules around the world to mandate increased disclosures. Christian Freymeyer/Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition (FACT) :  https://thefactcoalition.org/new-report-corporate-tax-transparency-becoming-the-global-norm?utm_medium=press/news-releases     Bolstering journalists to uncover corruption (Blog).  “Finance Uncovered’s mission is to deliver intensive and focused training courses that equip journalists with the fundamental skills, tools, and confidence to start investigating corruption, money laundering, and tax abuse.” Laura Bacon/Luminate: https://luminategroup.com/posts/blog...

List of Deliverables of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (Reference).   “The National Commission of Supervision of China signed the MOUs on anti-corruption cooperation with its counterparts of the Philippines and Thailand…[and] China will sponsor the first session of Belt and Road Legal Cooperation Research and Training Program, co-organize a seminar on business integrity and compliance with the World Bank, and hold an anti-corruption seminar for Belt and Road countries.” Belt and Road Forum : http://www.beltandroadforum.org/english/n100/2019/0427/c36-1312.html   Malaysia's High Court dismisses Najib's application to strike out charges, corruption trial to go on.  Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali ruled that the charges against Najib were not structured in a way that could mislead or prejudice him to the point he could not put up a proper defence. The Straits Times:  https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asi...

The government’s anti-corruption scorecard (Commentary).   “…the last five years have seen consistent attacks on anti-corruption laws and institutions [in India]…At the same time, there is no evidence of any check on everyday corruption that impacts the delivery of services to people. Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri/The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-governments-anti-corruption-scorecard/article26974033.ece     Presidential Power Grab: Corruption and Democratic Backsliding in Mongolia (Blog).  “ In the past, Mongolia seemed responsive to external pressure to increase transparency and reduce corruption, and the country has made international commitments to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, and the Open Government Partnership. But Battulga won the presidency on an explicit and nationalist “Mongolia First” platform…suggesting ...