Anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in the Asia Pacific region must start prosecuting the rich and powerful to gain credibility, according to a new report published by the pressure group Transparency International. TI surveyed six ACAs in countries across the region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The campaign group says that ACAs need to strengthen their accountability and oversight and protect their independence. Iftekhar Zaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, said: “Our report shows how important political and government commitment is to ensure that ACAs do their jobs effectively. ACAs need to demonstrate the courage and capacity to prosecute all, including the powerful without fear or favour.
“When government support is lacking, the battle is hard for ACAs to function independently and to get the resources they need to deliver well. On the other hand, when the ACAs themselves fail to make best use of their legal and institutional mandate, it is even worse.”
To read the 52-page report, Strengthening Anti-Corruption Agencies in Asia Pacific, click here.
