Kuala Lumpur: The media plays a vital role in raising national awareness and encouraging collective responsibility in the fight against corruption, as all sectors of society must come together to effectively address this issue, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. He highlighted the importance of a united front in tackling corruption, emphasizing that the issue requires persistent commitment beyond enforcement measures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong expressed that public frustration over Malaysia's stagnant Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking is understandable. He noted that Malaysians perceive corruption as endemic and entrenched, urging the government to acknowledge the severity of the problem. Wong stressed that rectifying the CPI ranking demands significant effort and time to build momentum.
Wong, who is part of the CPI Special Task Force, shared his insights during a panel discussion at the Good Governance Conference (GGC) 2025. He emphasized that combating corruption should not solely fall on enforcement agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) but should incorporate efforts from the broader public, including media, educators, and religious institutions.
He advocated for early education on anti-corruption values, starting in schools, and called for the media to consistently highlight corruption issues. Wong also underscored the importance of both public and private sectors in this endeavor.
As a national news agency, Bernama is positioned to drive the anti-corruption narrative by providing reliable information to media outlets that may lack resources for in-depth investigative journalism. Wong also called on religious institutions to reinforce anti-corruption values, recognizing the impact of religious leaders in shaping moral perspectives within their communities.
With the increasing influence of digital platforms, Wong encouraged social media influencers and key opinion leaders to leverage their reach in supporting anti-corruption efforts. He highlighted their presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube as crucial in mobilizing support for the government's initiatives.
Malaysia's ranking in the 2024 CPI remained unchanged at 57th out of 180 countries, the same as in 2023.