Don't let politics or funding sway the fight against graft - Rasuah Busters

SHAH ALAM - Individuals in power must uphold the principles of truth despite facing political pressure or funding challenges to ensure the goal of combating corruption and preserving integrity is achieved without being influenced by vested interests.

Rasuah Busters Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nurhayati Nordin said that the fight against corruption must not be shaken simply due to changes in political structure or the interests of certain parties.

Rasuah Busters Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nurhayati Nordin - Photo by Asril Aswandi Shukor

"Are we going to uphold the truth or merely fulfil what our funders want? That’s why holding on to principles is crucial. The challenge also comes when the very people we fight for need to be criticised — will we criticise them or just let it slide?

“No matter how the political structure changes, we must still hold on to our target. It is human nature to be shaken by difficult situations, so for Muslims, return to the Quran and Sunnah.

“In Malaysia’s context, we have the Rukun Negara and now we also have the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies 2012 (Jakarta Statement 2012),” she said during the Special Forum: Jakarta Statement – Asean’s Solution Against Corruption at Studio F, Karangkraf Complex on Wednesday.

The forum was hosted by Haizir Othman and joined by Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Union (Sea Actions) President and Chairman Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed and Mochamad Praswad Nugraha.

According to Nurhayati, reliance on funding sources can also become a major challenge for civil society if principles are not made the foundation.

Commenting on the Jakarta Statement 2012, she said that although the principles were issued in 2012, they remain important and require review and reform.

Nurhayati also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling the Jakarta Statement, which will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on April 29, 2025.

“Civil society operates internally, but externally, will this only be a ‘touch and go’ conference, or will Asean countries embrace and implement it in any way possible to ensure continued progress?

“What do we need? We need political will and tremendous courage. At the same time, civil society must also move together to ensure political shifts do not derail progress... how do we bring back those who have gone astray?

“Politics may change, but civil society remains, carrying the agenda of reform,” she said.

Earlier, it was announced that the upcoming conference at PICC will serve as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation in efforts to combat corruption.

The conference is also expected to bring together representatives from anti-corruption agencies, civil society and policymakers from Asean countries to re-evaluate the implementation of the principles in the Jakarta Statement 2012, which emphasise the independence, effectiveness and accountability of anti-corruption agencies.

Nurhayati also stated that public involvement through access to information, public education and participation in decision-making is key to ensuring that the anti-corruption movement gains trust through comprehensive strategic partnerships.

“Civil society plays the role of the people's eyes and ears and should be actively involved in the corruption prevention process; it serves to voice public concerns and ensure institutions or relevant agencies act responsibly,” she added.