Nazri has doubts on graft survey

(Bernama) — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz is doubtful whether the results of the 2009 Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) accurately reflected the situation in the country.

He said the survey was conducted in February when there were many allegations of corruption involving contestants in the run-up to the Umno elections in March.

“The survey was carried out during the run-up to the Umno elections in March when many cases of corrupt practices (involving contestants) were reported.

“I feel this factor had influenced the public’s perception (towards the government’s efforts in fighting corruption.

“The results of the survey gives the impression that the people are sceptical of the government’s efforts to set up the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC),” Nazri said after opening an MACC convention at Universiti Teknologi Mara here, yesterday.

The GCB results showed that 67 per cent of respondents believed the government’s measures to fight corruption were ineffective.

The GCB is a global public opinion survey done annually by Transparency International to explore the effects of corruption on the daily lives of ordinary citizens and the public’s attitude towards corruption.

However, Nazri said, the government would use the GCB as a guide to implement long-term measures to eradicate corruption and instill noble values in the people.

“We are not going to set aside the results of the survey although we are not satisfied with it.

“I am looking at it in a positive way.”

Nazri said the survey should have been conducted for at least six months rather than two weeks to accurately reflect the public’s opinion towards corruption.

He said the people were becoming more aware of the role of the MACC and were coming forward to make complaints on alleged corrupt practices.