Malaysia has shown notable improvement in its Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking for the year 2023, according to a recent report by Transparency International. This positive development comes after three consecutive years of declining rankings since 2019. We successfully reversed the trend in 2023.

Achieving a score of 50 out of 100 in the CPI, Malaysia now holds the 57th position out of 180 countries. It’s worth noting that our highest CPI score was recorded in 1996 at 53.20 points, and our lowest was in 2011 at 43 points.

Denmark leads the global rankings with an impressive score of 90 out of 100, followed by Finland and New Zealand. It is crucial to understand that attaining a completely corruption-free state is challenging, even for top-ranking countries like Denmark, which did not achieve a perfect score.

Reducing corruption is essential for preventing its spread and maintaining a positive international image. Moreover, the economic implications of widespread corruption are significant. It leads to an increase in the wealth gap, with the rich getting richer while the poor become poorer. Countries with high corruption levels also face challenges in attracting foreign investors, as hidden costs and bureaucratic delays can deter potential investments.

We hope that Malaysia’s CPI will continue to improve in 2024 and beyond. A positive CPI not only reflects the integrity of our nation but also makes Malaysia more attractive to foreign investors seeking stable and transparent environments.