Malaysia Climbs to Third in ASEAN in 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index with Improved Score
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has recorded a notable improvement in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), climbing to third place among ASEAN countries following a rise in its overall score and the implementation of key governance reforms.
The 2025 CPI report released by Transparency International Malaysia shows that Malaysia scored 52 out of 100, marking a two-point increase compared to its performance in 2023 and 2024. This improvement places the country at 54th position globally out of 182 countries assessed.
Within the ASEAN region, Singapore continues to lead with a CPI score of 84, ranking third worldwide, while Brunei follows with a score of 63, placing it 31st globally. Malaysia now ranks third in the region, reflecting steady progress in its anti-corruption efforts.
Transparency International Malaysia secretary Raymon Ram said the improved score reflects the early impact of several institutional and legislative reforms introduced in recent years to strengthen public sector accountability.
He cited the implementation of the Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 and amendments to the Audit Act 1957 as key contributors, noting that the changes have enhanced the Auditor-General’s oversight over government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies.
Governance Reforms Drive CPI Gains
Ram added that additional legislative initiatives, including the Government Procurement Bill and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act in 2025, have further supported Malaysia’s governance framework.
He also pointed to reforms introduced under the Madani administration, such as the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028 and the establishment of a CPI task force chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government, aimed at coordinating efforts to improve Malaysia’s CPI standing.
Despite these positive developments, Ram cautioned that significant challenges remain and warned against complacency.
Key areas requiring sustained improvement include procurement transparency, effective protection for whistleblowers, and the regulation of political financing. Transparency International Malaysia has expressed concern over whether the Government Procurement Bill is sufficiently robust to mitigate corruption risks, particularly in high-value procurement projects.
The organisation has also raised issues regarding the adequacy of whistleblower protection amendments, noting that they may still fall short in ensuring full disclosure and comprehensive protection. In addition, the absence of strong political financing regulations and the potential misuse of Deferred Prosecution Agreements could undermine enforcement integrity.
Ram stressed that the government must urgently accelerate institutional and legislative reforms, strengthen transparency mechanisms, and demonstrate unwavering political will to achieve lasting progress.
He noted that Malaysia’s ambition to rank among the world’s top 25 countries in the CPI by 2033 will require decisive and systematic action, adding that public expectations are high and continued inaction could erode both future CPI scores and public trust.
-wilayah.com.my
