Singapore, HK 'show single anti-graft body is better'

The Straits Times, March 3, 2007


THE success of Singapore and Hong Kong in fighting corruption shows that the use of a single anti-corruption agency is effective, said Transparency International (TI) in a report.

The organisation said that this produced better results as compared to using a number of different agencies to tackle the same problem.

TI reached the conclusion after conducting research in nine Asian countries: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The studies analysed the key institutions, laws and practices that contribute to transparency and integrity in each country.

They identified two prevailing ways of fighting corruption in the region: either through a single centralised agency or multiple agencies that often have overlapping objectives.

'It (the report) concluded that the experience of Singapore and Hong Kong proved the effectiveness of a single independent agency dedicated to the task of corruption control,' said TI in a press statement.

It said that relying on multiple anti-corruption agencies can lead to a lack of coordination, competition for resources and dilution of anti-corruption efforts.

Even though the use of a single anti-corruption agency has proven effective, the report said this does not automatically guarantee success.

It noted that other conditions must exist: political will, an incorruptible agency and a vigorous investigation of corruption at all levels, in both the public and private sectors.

Singapore and Hong Kong, while at the top of their game in the region, still have 'significant room' for improvement, such as in the area of involving civil society in decisions made by the government, said the statement.

'We must remain optimistic, as even simple reforms can move a country in the right direction,' said Mr Jon Quah, an anti-corruption expert and author of the report.

'A Chinese proverb wisely notes that 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'. The critical first step is that political leaders must manifest their sincere commitment to curbing corruption,' he said.