The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is deepening collaboration with Transparency International (TI) to advance governance standards and strengthen its anti-corruption initiatives at home and abroad. The partnership was reaffirmed during a meeting at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, where TI chair François Valerian met with MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman.

Azmi highlighted the importance of the existing relationship and pledged the commission's determination to broaden cooperation in promoting integrity and transparency. MACC signalled its readiness to pursue fresh collaborative opportunities that would bolster Malaysia's integrity ecosystem. Through its National Governance Planning Division, the commission functions as the principal secretariat for the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force, coordinating efforts across government bodies, universities, business and civil society groups to address factors influencing the country's CPI standing.

Malaysia's performance on the global stage has shown meaningful gains. The nation's 2025 CPI score climbed two points from 50 to 52, while its world ranking improved three positions, moving from 57th to 54th place. These improvements underscore the effectiveness of MACC's collaborative approach with multiple stakeholders through the CPI special task force and its six supporting focus groups.

Valerian underscored that sustained progress hinges on both preventive methods and rigorous enforcement. He noted that TI actively backs anti-corruption agencies seeking to elevate their country's CPI performance. For such organisations to function effectively, Valerian stressed the necessity of adequate funding, skilled personnel, and operational independence from political pressures. The TI chief also endorsed Malaysia's objective of breaking into the world's top 25 CPI rankings by 2030, recognising the nation's commitment to further integrity improvements.