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THE Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in public perception towards corruption, framing it as a national threat that demands prompt and resolute action from all public officials.
In a statement on Wednesday, the EAIC, which oversees integrity within enforcement agencies, welcomed Malaysia’s latest score of 52 points in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), placing the country 54th globally.
While acknowledging this progress, the commission stressed that further reforms are necessary for Malaysia to reach the top 25 by 2033.
"To achieve a top 25 ranking by 2033, reform efforts must begin with credible actions that have tangible impact, not merely policy endorsements or formal agreements," the statement read.
The commission urged authorities and department heads to act transparently and be willing to take decisions that may be unpopular, including enforcing disciplinary measures and removing corrupt officers as a firm step to uphold institutional integrity and accountability.
EAIC also welcomed recommendations from Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) on comprehensive institutional and legislative reforms, including the establishment of an Ombudsman Malaysia.
The commission emphasised that such initiatives must be meticulously planned and executed to avoid gaps, ensure effectiveness, and provide benefits surpassing those offered by existing agencies.
"As the lead of the Enforcement Focus Group under the CPI Special Task Force, EAIC will continue to implement mechanisms to strengthen integrity and accountability within enforcement agencies," the statement added.
The CPI 2025 results marked an improvement for Malaysia, rising to 54th place from 57th the previous year, with a score of 52 points, up from 50 points in 2024 and 2023.
TI-M president Raymon Ram noted that the index is based on 13 studies and expert assessments measuring perceptions of public sector corruption across 182 countries and territories.
"Through commitment to tangible action and robust governance, EAIC believes Malaysia can attain a top 25 CPI ranking and reinforce public confidence in the nation’s integrity," the commission concluded. - February 11, 2026
