The government's war on corruption has borne "positive and tangible" results, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin at an international conference of anti-corruption authorities.

christmas school 261211 muhyiddin In his closing speech to over 900 delegates of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IACAA), he quoted surveys by Transparency International that found 49 percent of Malaysians felt that the government's efforts against corruption is effective, up from 29 percent in 2009.

In addition, Muhyiddin ( right ) said the consulting firm AT Kearney ranked Malaysia among the top 10 on the Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index 2012.

"I am certain that given time, Malaysia will be successful in its war on corruption, and further improve public perception toward the government's anti-corruption efforts," he added in the conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

'Name and shame'

Amongst the government's initiatives he attributed the success to, included the enactment of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, establishment of 14 special corruption courts to speed up the prosecution of corruption cases, and a ‘name-and-shame' database of those convicted of corruption in Malaysia.

"While it is a simple initiative, this database is currently being recognised and used by the US Embassy to ensure individuals listed on the database are not allowed visas to the US," he said.

However, he said the ongoing fight against corruption would take considerable effort, which is why the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be allocated RM273 million under the 2013 Budget.

At the conclusion of the conference, IACAA also issued a 27-point Kuala Lumpur Declaration.

The declaration urges its 111 member states to exchange technical expertise, training and experience.

It also calls upon its members to institute reforms that bolster anti-corruption efforts, including promoting professionalism and effectiveness of its anti-corruption enforcers, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and prevent conflicts of interest in public office.

NONE The declaration also calls for freedom of access to information, transparency and accountability in public administration, and ensure that anti-corruption authorities have full independence.

"I am confident that the Kuala Lumpur Declaration that has arisen from this conference will act as a roadmap for us all," said MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed ( right ), who is also an IAACA exco member.

"Many parts of the declaration are a challenge but they are achievable and I hope that it will further underpin and support our mutual endeavours," he said.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said that he is glad IAACA's delegates had unanimously agreed to the declaration.

"I am confident that the sense of commitment displayed during this conference augurs well for the fulfilment of our continued fight against corruption," he added.