KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) proposal for the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) to be integrated into the government sector's Key Performance Indicators (KPI) will boost transparency and accountability in the public sector.
Malaysian Integrity Institute (MII) member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the MACC's initiative marks a significant step toward cultivating integrity in Malaysia's public service, which will ultimately benefit the people.
He said it would help the government and MACC to identify areas where corruption is perceived to be high, paving the way for necessary reforms and improved governance.
"Incorporating the CPI into KPIs will enhance transparency and hold government agencies accountable, which is essential for reducing corruption and preventing wastage of public funds.
"Moreover, when officials understand that their performance will be assessed based on public trust and ethical behavior, they are more likely to act in a responsible manner," said Lee, who is chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community.
He said the shift from measuring the volume and speed of work to prioritising integrity and public engagement would foster a culture of accountability among civil servants.
"Engaging with the public and valuing their feedback will lead to better service delivery," he said, adding that the use of CPI data could facilitate targeted training for civil servants, particularly in ethics and anti-corruption measures.
However, Lee also raised concerns about relying solely on the CPI, where it is based on perceptions, which can be subjective.
"We need to be cautious of potential manipulation of practices to improve scores."
He said for a more holistic KPI framework, the civil service should try incorporating a range of indices, including financial, customer, employee, environmental, and innovation metrics.
"Utilising these diverse indices will ensure a comprehensive KPI system that meets public expectations and promotes effective governance," Lee said.
The government has been urged to consider making CPI achievements a key performance indicator for all relevant government agencies.
This has been one of the seven resolutions of the MACC's National Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption Research Conference on Friday.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had said the resolutions would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance's meeting.