12 local authorities downgraded under new anti-graft rating

12 local authorities downgraded under new anti-graft rating

PETALING JAYA: The housing and local government ministry has revealed that 12 local authorities have been downgraded following the introduction of an anti-graft rating system known as the “Public Service Corruption Ranking” this year.

Its minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the rating system was aimed at ensuring all 156 local authorities nationwide adopt practices that promote integrity and good governance.

He said the downgraded local authorities, whom he did not identify, would undergo consultations to improve their performance.

Some have shown improvements, Nga added.

He also urged local authorities that have yet to establish integrity units to do so promptly.

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“This initiative not only aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy but also marks the first inclusion of anti-corruption measures in the local government star rating system, aimed at improving Malaysia’s ranking in the global anti-corruption index,” he said in a statement.

Last July, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim set the goal of Malaysia ranking in the top 25 nations in the world in the corruption perceptions index.

In January, it was reported that Malaysia ranked 57th among the 180 countries surveyed under Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perception Index for 2023, climbing up from the 61st spot in 2022.

Nga reiterated that the ministry would prioritise merit-based performance, stating that well-performing local authorities would be rewarded with additional allocations to implement infrastructure projects.

“The champion will receive RM1 million, the first runner-up will be awarded RM500,000 and the second runner-up will get RM300,000.”

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He also said that to enhance national competitiveness and promote local economic development, local authorities were encouraged to streamline and expedite the business licensing approval process, especially for domestic and foreign investors.

“Several new measures, such as e-tendering and fast-track approval channels have been officially implemented to ensure applications for low-risk businesses can be approved within 24 hours, boosting local economic activity.

“This aims to propel Malaysia towards the goal of being among the 25 most-competitive countries globally,” he said.