We recently launched a FREE publication “South Asia grapples with anti-bribery compliance: ISO 37001 provides solutions”, which overviews anti-bribery and anti-corruption solutions in South Asia. South Asia has a troubled record when it comes to preventing bribery and corruption, as well as enforcing compliance. Recent cases and statistics show that the problem persists in most countries in the region. Both government officials and private sector business leaders are struggling to adopt policies, control methods and best practices to help reduce bribery and corruption on their watch. High profile cases such as the 1MDB scandal in Malaysia and, more recently, the alleged Meikarta township case in Indonesia underscore this point. The investigations that were triggered by these cases demonstrate, however, that regulators are serious about addressing the threat of bribery and corruption as more than just a legal issue, but as a societal one, as well. In response, organisations that are committed to being in compliance are adopting the ISO 37001 – Anti-Bribery Management Systems standard as a comprehensive approach to mitigating risk.
To raise awareness on these issues, ABAC™ Center of Excellence-Malaysia is proudly supporting and encouraging anti-bribery and anti-corruption activities in Malaysia and worldwide. Last Tuesday, ABAC™-Malaysia participated in a briefing session and discussed ‘The Importance of ISO 37001 ABMS’ at the Malaysia German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. ABAC™-Malaysia shared insights on how to demonstrate resilience with ISO 37001:2016 ABMS Accredited Certification and its importance for organisations.
On Thursday of the same week, ABAC™-Malaysia proudly supported at Malaysia Anti-corruption forum, themed ‘Understanding and Addressing the World’s Biggest Problem”, organised by International Strategy Institute (ISI). As stated by ISI, “Corruption has undoubtedly been one of the most deep-rooted, pervasive problems that have crippled economies around the world. Even in advanced economies, authorities have not been able to quell corruption completely. The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has last year ranked Malaysia number 61st out of 180 countries. Though this is way above notoriously corrupt countries in the Middle East, Africa, and some of its ASEAN neighbours, recent corruption cases have nonetheless propelled Malaysia into the global spotlight. With the establishment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the newly launched National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP), Malaysia is committed to tackle this problem head on.”
The speakers included International Strategy Institute professionals Fazil Irwan Som (Executive Director), Cheah Chyuan Yong (Chairman), YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Malaysia), and YB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim (President, Parti Keadilan Rakyat). The forum brought together all “concerned Malaysian citizens, government authorities, the media and the private sector to discuss, exchange ideas, and formulate key proposals” to tackle corruption.
Earlier this year, ABAC™ and CRI Group™ CEO Mr. Zafar Anjum spoke at MACC Seminar Benchmark on Governance, Integrity & Anti-Corruption, where he presented “Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS 37001) Case Study and Implementation – UK Experience.” He provided an overview of ABMS 37001 Accreditation & Certification as an effective and “adequate procedure” for organisations. During his speech, Anjum mentioned ABAC Certification as a tool for organisations of all types and industries to prevent bribery and corruption. ABAC™ serves as a global network of certified ethics, compliance professionals, qualified auditors, financial and corporate investigators, certified fraud examiners, forensic analysts and accountants to educate, equip and support the world’s leading business organisations with the latest best in practice due diligence processes and procedures.
Anti-bribery and anti-corruption efforts are top priorities in Malaysia. That’s why ABAC™-Malaysia partnered with MACC, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Foundation and the Malaysian Youth Council for “United Against Corruption” on International Anti-Corruption Day last year. The campaign raised awareness throughout Malaysia and beyond about risk factors facing businesses today. The latest seminars provided a further means to disseminate critical information about ISO 37001 ABMS and the latest best practices for preventing and detecting bribery and corruption worldwide and in Malaysia.
Do you have the right processes and procedures in place to protect your organisation from bribery and corruption? Learn more about ABAC™ solutions today.
