We warmly welcomes the proposed stricter code of ethics proposed by Umno, which will include categorising vote-buying as "political corruption".

The disclosure by Muhyiddin Yassin that "political corruption includes money, favours, logging concessions and promises - many things..." underlines the seriousness of the problem and the need for decisive and firm action to curb it.

We look forward to the effective implementation of these new guidelines so as to stop "political corruption" becoming a serious threat to the socio-economic development and stability of the nation.

The writer is president of Transparency International - Malaysia.