KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s improved standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reflects firm enforcement under the Madani government to address systemic corruption and long-standing governance weaknesses.
Malaysia climbed to 54th place in the latest global CPI rankings, an improvement Anwar attributed to decisive action by enforcement agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), police, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
“This includes the successful recovery of over RM15.5 billion in national revenue through the seizure of assets and funds, as well as the dismantling of corruption syndicates and leakages that have long affected public finances,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.
He stressed that the government would not compromise when the integrity of strategic institutions is questioned, adding that “stern action against misconduct and misappropriation in the defence sector, alongside the exposure of cartels and high-profile corruption, reinforces the principle that no one is above the law”.
While welcoming the CPI improvement, Anwar said the gains should serve as a reminder for the government to intensify anti-corruption efforts.
He said the achievement also serves as a reminder for the government to double its efforts to fight corruption consistently and courageously, in order to restore the people’s confidence.
According to Transparency International’s CPI 2025 report, Malaysia’s score improved to 52 points from 50 previously, placing the country third in ASEAN behind Singapore and Brunei. — February 11, 2026