AP-INTACT

FIJI Fiji Anti-Corruption Course Garners Regional Interest.  The anti-corruption course aims to get participants to be Integrity Champions supporting FICAC and other Pacific regional anti-corruption agencies in the fight against corruption. https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/01/26/fiji-anti-corruption-course-garners-regional-interest/ Court extends bail for MPs.  The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will make an application to have the matter involving six SODELPA parliamentarians and a former government member of Parliament to be heard before the High Court in Suva. https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/01/26/fiji-anti-corruption-course-garners-regional-interest/ Landowner appears in court for dishonesty.  A landowner appeared before the Nausori Magistrates Court charged by FICAC with two counts of general dishonesty obtaining a gain. https://www.fijitimes.com/landowner-appears-in-court-for-dishonesty/ Funds from illicit drug activiti...

CPI 2020: Asia Pacific.  Check out the link below for the Asia-Pacific regional analysis of the new Corruption Perception Index 2020. "With an average score of 45, the Asia Pacific region struggles to combat corruption and tackle the profound health and economic impact of COVID-19." Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-asia-pacific   Although corruption is endemic, there is still hope (Interview).   "[Francesco Checchi, UNODC Anti-Corruption Adviser] talks about the effectiveness of legal frameworks that have been instituted to arrest corruption, and the ways and means adopted to mitigate the effects of this menace. [He] also shares his insights on whether ASEAN countries can launch a collective offensive against corruption." Francesco Checchi (interviewed)/Unravel: https://unravel.ink/although-corruption-is-endemic-there-is-still-hope/     Goldman Sachs slashes David Solomon's pay over 1MDB scandal...

    From: Kamolwan Panyasevanamit Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2021 8:59 AM To: 'ap.intact.network.global@blogger.com' <ap.intact.network.global@blogger.com>; 'ap.intact.network.global@blogger.com' <ap.intact.network.global@blogger.com> Subject: COVID-19 corruption interview / Responsible business conduct in procurement / Thailand anti-corruption communications research   Continuing corruption: Profiteering amid the pandemic (Interview).  “We have warned several countries that emergency packages have been adopted and implemented without necessary oversight procedures and mechanisms. This will increase the risks of misuse, fraud and corruption in the implementation of these packages.” Francesco Checchi (interviewed)/Unravel: https://unravel.ink/continuing-corruption-profiteering-amid-the-pandemic/     Integrating Responsible Business Conduct in Public Procurement (Report).  “This rep...

Open Contracting Lift program (Capacity building and funding opportunity).  This impact accelerator program to help teams of bold procurement reformers around the world to go further with their ideas and deliver change will offer extensive, tailored support from leading experts and peers to deliver better goods, works, and services, and expand economic opportunity for everyone through new or better contracting strategies. Teams will be eligible for up to $30,000 worth of direct support depending on team needs and progress, as well as 200 hours of technical assistance and support from Open Contracting Partnership. Application deadline : Friday 12 March 2021 Open Contracting Partnership: https://lift.open-contracting.org/     Integrity and Transparency Assessment.  “Through a collaboration between Office of the [Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission] and the Faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University, [Integrity and Transparency Assessme...

A Lesson in Democracy? The Bitter Irony of Malaysia’s Failed Anticorruption Coalition (Blog).  “Autocratic systems may contribute to entrenched corruption, but after the transition to democracy, corrupt elites often remain entrenched precisely because they know how to manipulate voters and democratic processes…If a reform-oriented Prime Minister can be so readily thwarted by political challengers in Parliament, and a united electorate can so quickly splinter, then we must ask ourselves some hard questions about whether democratic ideals may be too easily exploited in a deeply corrupt system.” Jenny Kline/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2021/01/22/a-lesson-in-democracy-the-bitter-irony-of-malaysias-failed-anticorruption-coalition/     Corruption comes in many ‘grades’, says Annamalai in book.   “The book (Stepping Beyond Khaki – Revelations of Real-Life Singham), with...

Asia's COVID recovery: Vietnam's breakout moment.  “By the first half of 2020, Vietnam had fast-forwarded the timelines of more than a dozen massive projects…Other legacies may not be financial. In fending off the coronavirus, Vietnam was transparent almost to a fault, according to observers who hope this approach will prevail in a country better known for the opacity of party reshuffles and land deals.” Lien Hoang/Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Asia-s-COVID-recovery-Vietnam-s-breakout-moment     How Pakistan lost $6 billion on a gold mine.  “Pakistan’s US and France based real estate assets are at risk of confiscation as a United Kingdom court moves to enforce an arbitration tribunal decree that fined it US$5.9 billion for retracting a 28-year old gold exploration contract with foreign mining companies…the project hit a snag…when the Balochistan mining authority revoked TCC...

Indonesia Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2020-2022.   Indonesia has just launched its OGP NAP this week. Their anti-corruption commitments include open contracting in public procurement, beneficial owernship, budget transparency and oversight. Explore more in the link below. Open Government Partnership: https://www.opengovpartnership.org/documents/indonesia-action-plan-2020-2022/     Korea: Powerful new anti-corruption agency to launch soon.   “One notable aspect about the [Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials] reach is that the CIO can investigate not only the crimes committed by high-ranking officials and their families but also any “related crimes,” such as those in which private parties paid bribes to high-ranking officials or acted as accomplices to the crimes committed by high-ranking officials.” Marian Lee/The FCPA Blog: https://fcpablog.com/2021/01/20/korea-powerful-new-ant...

Paying bribes in Indonesia (Blog and Report).   “Overall, some 33.2% of firms report that they have been asked to pay fees outside the official requirements… But responses vary significantly by industry. The highest proportions…are found in the extractive industries…and in constructions…while the lowest proporation of firms is in the financial sector.” Direct link to report: https://www.newmandala.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Paying-bribes-in-Indonesia_formatted.pdf Paul Kenny and Eve Warbuton/New Mandala: https://www.newmandala.org/paying-bribes-in-indonesia/     Bottom line: Samsung boss jailing doesn’t matter (Opinion).  “It’s back to jail for Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong after a Seoul appellate court sentenced him to two and a half years in prison in the climax of the retrial of a seismic bribery case...However, the verdict is not expected to damage the electronics giant’s performa...

Deregulation law ‘raises corruption risk’ in Indonesia’s forestry sector (Opinion).  “An analysis of the so-called omnibus law on job creation — passed by parliament in October to cut red tape and make it easy for companies to invest and do business in Indonesia — uncovered 21 areas of potential risk for corruption, according to Hariadi Kartodihardjo, a forestry policy lecturer at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB).” Hans Nicholas Jong/Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/01/indonesia-deregulation-omnibus-law-corruption-risk/     Connecting the dots between beneficial ownership and procurement data: improving processes and identifying risk (Blog).   “This blog concentrates on the simpler case of modifying existing procurement systems and processes to collect beneficial ownership for all parties during the relevant procurement stages. On its own, this has huge advantages for compliance, internal...

Corruption without a moral backstop (Opinion).   “What is less understandable and excusable about Thailand's Covid situation is that it has revealed a nexus of corruption, government incompetence, and a lack of vision going forward at the expense of public health. We have learned that Thailand has illegal gambling dens throughout many of its provinces, tied up with prostitution, extortion, bribery, racketeering, and the entire black underbelly of the economy.” Thitinan Pongsudhirak/Bangkok Post: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2051031/corruption-without-a-moral-backstop      Himachal Pradesh voters seek curb on corruption.  “Transparency in [Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act] funds and development projects, along with corruption, are the three biggest issues for people in [the Indian state] Himachal Pradesh ahead of elections to panchayati raj institutions in the state, according to an online survey” ...

Myanmar to launch digital land database.  “The online land database will be introduced to provide transparency regarding land ownership, said the [Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun]…Online investment tools and payment processes are also being implemented to simplify and improve security in the investment process, he said.” Aung Loon/Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-launch-digital-land-database.html     Time for UNCAC Mark II? (Blog).  “So, with a reboot of the existing Convention unlikely, maybe it’s time for a new Convention—an UNCAC Mark II…which we might perhaps call the UN Convention on the Prevention of Corruption (UNCPC)—could provide a framework that promotes innovative, flexible, and forward-looking means to address corruption challenges, going beyond technical and compliance approaches.” Alan Doig/The Global Anticorruption Blog: htt...

Every Bank Robber Needs A Getaway Car; Banker Held Accountable For Money Laundering (Blog).   “It is fundamental that we understand how integral the services of money launderers are to those involved in the underlying, predicate crime—be it organized crime or corruption… No bank robber would ever plan a robbery only up until the point that he gets to the exit—he needs a getaway car, otherwise his plan won’t work. And in the same way the corrupt acts perpetrated elsewhere need the getaway car that Western bankers and company service providers offer.” Emile J. M. van Der Does De Willebois/Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2021/01/13/guest-post-every-bank-robber-needs-a-getaway-car-banker-held-accountable-for-money-laundering/     Cops in Gujarat top charts in graft cases.   “Cops were hailed as ‘corona warriors’ due to their work enforcing the lockdown and night curfews...

Two siblings jailed for corruption offences committed in China.  “Two siblings were jailed…for conspiring to share confidential business information with companies in China to secure contracts. The siblings were investigated by the CPIB even though the offences were carried out in China, as the Prevention of Corruption Act states that Singapore citizens who commit corrupt acts overseas will be prosecuted as if they did so in Singapore.” Channel News Asia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/siblings-corruption-china-fined-jailed-cpib-overseas-13937956       Virtual Workshop to enrich the draft CSO Engagement Programme on Justice, Governance & Anti-Corruption.  “The Programme is expected to promote constructive engagement of the CSOs and Cooperatives in enhancing justice, governance and anti-corruption initiatives in the country and accordingly contribute towards realizing the National Key Result Areas viz. ...

How to Select Buyers of Oil, Gas and Minerals: Guide for State-Owned Enterprises (Resource).  “This Guidance is intended to strengthen state-owned enterprises (SOEs)’ capacity to market commodities and optimise the value of resources sold. It explains how SOEs can set up transparent and competitive buyer selection procedures that reduce discretion, close opportunities for favouritism and corruption, ultimately leading to increased revenues for improved development outcomes.” OECD: http://www.oecd.org/dev/how-to-select-buyers-of-oil-gas-and-minerals-a522e6c0-en.htm     Pattaya tourism groups blame ‘corrupt’ government officials for causing Covid-19 second wave.   “The first coronavirus outbreak [in Thailand] couldn’t have been helped, [Tourism Council member Thanet Supornsahatrangsi] said, noting it spread quickly from China before anyone was aware. This time, however, the epidemic was entirely preventable if ...

Experts Warn of Backlash Against Chinese Infrastructure Projects in Myanmar.  “With China’s ambitious backbone infrastructure projects set to get off the ground this year in Myanmar, mostly in the ethnic states, environmentalists and local observers warn that the National League for Democracy-led (NLD) government will face severe public resistance if it keeps failing to address a lack of transparency surrounding the projects, and to engage with local communities.” Nan Lwin/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/experts-warn-backlash-chinese-infrastructure-projects-myanmar.html     PACC chief faces complaints over alleged lack of action against local officials linked to drugs, corruption.  “[Dr. Chao-Tiao Yumol] has filed complaints against Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chief Greco Belgica — accusing the official of lack of action on the alleged involvement of two local officials in graft and corrup...

FIJI Police Arrest Man For Driving Test Impersonation.  The Land Transport Authority of Fiji (LTA) apprehended and handed a man over to the Fiji Police Force…for impersonating a defensive driving test applicant. Mr Simpson said that the Authority does not tolerate corruption from anyone – whether it is LTA employees, customers, or other stakeholders. https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/01/07/police-arrest-man-for-driving-test-impersonation/ Audit points out potential window for bribery .  The auditor-general has found the Department of Environment has no policy or framework to prevent and detect actual, potential and perceived conflict of interest that could expose staff members to the risk of bribery from developers “who may find the EIA (environmental impact assessment) process a hindrance to their projects”. https://www.fijitimes.com/audit-points-out-potential-window-for-bribery/ 5 Ways The Pacific Region Can Recover With Integrity in 2021. ...

China amends Criminal Law to increase penalties for private-sector bribery (Blog).   “Unlike the [US] Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which focuses primarily on whether a recipient of a corrupt payment is a government official, Chinese law distinguishes between “state functionaries” (i.e., those who perform “public duties”) and non-state functionaries. This distinction depends on the individual’s level and duty, rather than the employer, so mid-level or low-level employees of government agencies and state-owned enterprises are unlikely to be deemed as “state functionaries” under Chinese law.” Helen Hwang and Shuai Kong/The FCPA Blog: https://fcpablog.com/2021/01/05/china-amends-criminal-law-to-increase-penalties-for-private-sector-bribery/     E-procurement vital to reduce corruption.  “[Bangladesh’s] Law Minister Anisul Huq said the e- procurement system is very much important in reduc...

Bribes to Rosmah masked via fictitious agreement, says prosecution.  “[Rosmah Mansor [former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s wife] is on trial for soliciting RM187.5mil [approx. US$46.7 mil] and two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5mil [approx. US$1.6 mil] from Saidi, as a reward for helping Jepak Holdings to secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project, as well as the maintenance and operation of diesel gen-sets, for 369 rural schools in Sarawak, which was worth RM1.25bil from the Education Ministry (MOE) through direct negotiation.” The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/31/bribes-to-rosmah-masked-via-fictitious-agreement-says-prosecution     Shehbaz in prison for 100 days ‘with unproven charges’.   “PML-N Secretary Information Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that party President and [Pakistan] National Assembly Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif has been behind bars for t...

Investigative journalism vital in the fight against institutional corruption (Opinion).  “Today in Malaysia, too often we see reports and allegations of corruption over a prolonged period of time. What is expected is, these will trigger investigations by the authorities…Journalists must understand the basic rules of corruption investigations and the common methods used to perpetrate corrupt acts…Based on complaints received by MACC between 2013 and 2018, procurement fraud topped the list of sectors prone to corruption at 42.8 per cent.” Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar/New Straits Times: https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2020/12/652840/investigative-journalism-vital-fight-against-institutional     CPIB launches e-book to educate teenagers on corruption and its pitfalls.   “The e-book is catered specifically to those aged between 13 and 19. Corruption Casebook - Stories From Under The Table is available for download on [S...

Indonesians believe corruption more rampant [in 2020], survey finds.  “A majority of Indonesians noticed that corruption had become more rampant in the country, according to a recent survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC). The survey polled 1,202 respondents from Dec. 23 to 26 and found that 55 percent of them believed there were more corruption cases in 2020 than in the previous year, and 26 percent said it was the same as last year.” The Jakarta Post: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/12/30/indonesians-believe-corruption-more-rampant-this-year-survey-finds.html     Corruption and growth: Learnings from the dragon (Opinion).  “While continuing its efforts to increase transparency and eradicate corrupt practices from the very root (this may take much longer than anticipated), India needs to learn from Chinese system to progress at a rapid pace to be world’s economic powerhouse and become atmanirbhar, whe...

Opportunities available for Myanmar businesses in the next five years.  Vicky Bowman from the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business “said the government needs to recognize that it is not just about improving the ease of doing business…but in doing so responsibly. ‘A lot of governments are coming from a position in which businesses are likely to be the bad guys and need to be controlled, but the [governments] don’t quite recognize their own role in creating the legislative environment to enable businesses to act responsibly,” Kyaw Soe Htet/Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/opportunities-available-myanmar-businesses-next-five-years.html     Vietnam's leader wants a successor tough on corruption (Commentary). “Two men are said to be favored to replace Trong as general-secretary -- 67-year-old Tran Quoc Vuong, a standing member of the party secretariat, and 66-year-old Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the incumbent prime min...