AP-INTACT

Real lives, real stories: The Power of Information in Asia Pacific (Resource).  “In this publication, we focus on the people who make right to information laws come to life, and who use them as tools to fight corruption. In the following pages, you will find the stories of citizens from 10 countries across the Asia Pacific region who have used their right to information to demand accountability from their governments.” Transparency International:  https://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/real_lives_real_stories_the_power_of_information_in_asia_pacific   How IMF programmes can increase corruption (Opinion).  “But the IMF also needs to avoid mandating policy reforms that weaken state institutions. And it must find ways to compensate for losses of privileges incurred by powerful interest groups. Otherwise, corruption will thrive.” Bernhard Reinsberg and Thomas Stubbs/The Conversation : http://theconversation.com/how-imf-...

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The U.S. Sees Taiwan’s Allies as Trade War Weapons—And Beijing Keeps Luring Them Away.   In addition to expected infrastructure projects, Beijing also agreed to maintain the aid Taiwan had supplied to the Solomon Islands via the rural constituency fund, according to a Solomon Islands parliamentarian. Such funds have been given directly to Solomon Islands MPs to use at their discretion, and have long been plagued by allegations of corruption. https://fortune.com/2019/09/25/us-china-trade-war-taiwan-allies/   PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Unlawful conduct stops ICA from carrying out duties.  Chief Migration Officer Solomon Kantha has raised concerns on police failing to prosecute cases of corrupt immigration officers referred to them, and police officers colluding with unlawful non-citizens to prevent their deportation. https://postcourier.com.pg/unlawful-conduct-stops-ica-from-carrying-out-duties/   To know more about the UN P...

Indonesia students rally against changes to corruption law.   Thousands of university students are staging rallies across Indonesia to show their opposition to a new law they say has crippled the country’s anti-corruption agency, after Indonesia’s parliament passed a law last week that reduces the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission. City News 1130: https://www.citynews1130.com/2019/09/24/indonesia-students-rally-against-changes-to-corruption-law/   Companies can implement policies to minimise risk of corruption (Opinion).   “As good practice, private companies are also strongly encouraged to implement their own policies on gift-giving to ensure that employees do not run afoul of the law. Companies can refer to Pact: A Practical Anti-Corruption Guide For Businesses In Singapore.” Dr Yik Keng Yeong and Mr Heng Cho Choon/The Straits Times:  https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/companies-can-implemen...

Myanmar Corruption Busters Defend Poor Record Against Top Figures.   In response to complaints that the Myanmar Anti-Corruption Commission is only taking action against junior civil servants and not those in positions of power, chief investigator of the commission U Thant Zaw explained that as many as 75 percent of complaints it received were filed against the rank and file and not the upper echelons. Htet Naing Zaw/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-corruption-busters-defend-poor-record-top-figures.html   Women legislators must win public’s trust by avoiding corruption: Women’s empowerment minister.   “The women politicians that will sit in the House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 term need to demonstrate good performance and avoid corrupt practices, otherwise voters will lose trust in them, [Indonesia’s Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister] said. The Jakarta Post: https://www....

Indonesia reboots effort to end corporate secrecy as anonymous firms destroy Papuan rainforest.  “The U.N. Convention against Corruption, ratified by Indonesia, encourages states to promote beneficial ownership transparency as a means of combating graft. If successful, these efforts may also have consequences in the forests of Indonesia, where investors driving deforestation remain hidden behind layers of corporate secrecy.” The Gecko Project: https://thegeckoproject.org/indonesia-reboots-effort-to-end-corporate-secrecy-as-anonymous-firms-destroy-papuan-rainforest-87ad2a8f8a97   Why governance reform is key to make chaebol accountable (Opinion).   “To enact some semblance of control over chaebol [or large family-owned business conglomerates], the government has focused on cracking down on corruption and taking executives to court; however, this does not appear to be the sole solution to reforms. In fact, a focus on reforming the governan...

Graft to blame for project delays: Tazul.  Corruption is the major reason for delays and weak implementation of development projects, said Bangladesh’s minister for local government, rural development and co-operatives. The Daily Star: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/graft-blame-project-delays-tazul-1803979   ACC takes action against 122 under Anti-Corruption Law.  “[Myanmar’s] Anti-Corruption Commission took action against 122 civil servants, high-ranking officials and other staff including the two persons who have political power, from 2018 to 2019, under the Anti-Corruption Law, said Thant Zaw, Chief Investigator from the Prevention and Control and Investigation Department.” Eleven Media Group: https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/acc-takes-action-against-122-under-anti-corruption-law   Anti-graft drive a must for prosperity: Yadav.   Nepal’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Yadav s...

PNG: Make PNG’s National Goals relevant again.   The [National Goals and Directive Principles] are not a panacea for institutional challenges like corruption. However, Professor Eric Uslaner, author of The historical roots of corruption , has noted the transformative effects of civic education in curbing the abuse of power in modern societies. https://www.devpolicy.org/make-pngs-national-goals-relevant-again-20190918/ PM pledges economic independence for PNG.   “[Mr. Marape] admitted that PNG still has its short comings as a nation stating that issues such as uneven distribution of resources, lack of quality development, under performance of resources, squandering of resources through corruption and complacency, nonfunctional government systems and many more are prevalent.” https://postcourier.com.pg/pm-pledges-economic-independence-for-png/   FIJI: Former senior correction officers’ trial to begin next month.   Former...