Transparency International Malaysia has (TI-M) backs the decision of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to blacklist companies that have been caught giving bribes.

Companies found guilty of bribery will have their names added to MACC’s database of offenders.

“It is an imperative that a strong message is sent to all that commit corrupt practices, so that it will have severe and far reaching consequences,” TI-M president Paul Low said in a press statement yesterday.

Low said international legislation on bribery recognises the importance of tackling private sector corruption, with measures like heavy fines, strong custodial sentences and putting the responsibility for actions of the employees on their companies.

“TI-M calls for the strengthening of current legislation to meet accepted international standards.

“This includes prosecuting a company and its directors when its employee is prosecuted for corruption,” Low added.

Last year, the Corruption Perception Index ranking for Malaysia fell to 60th place, the worst ranking in 10 years, according to TI-M.