Malaysia Climbs to Third Place in ASEAN Corruption Index 2025, Signaling Progress but Warning of Work Ahead
Malaysia has moved up to third place among ASEAN countries in the 2025 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), marking a modest yet meaningful improvement in its fight against corruption. The latest ranking, released by Transparency International Malaysia, places the country behind only Singapore and Brunei in the region.
According to the report presented by Transparency International Malaysia secretary Raymon Ram, Malaysia scored 52 out of 100 in the 2025 CPI. This reflects a two-point increase compared to its scores in 2023 and 2024, indicating gradual progress in governance reforms and anti-corruption efforts.
On the global stage, Malaysia is now ranked 54th out of 182 countries assessed. Singapore continues to dominate the ASEAN region with a CPI score of 84, securing third place worldwide, while Brunei earned a score of 63, placing it 31st globally.
Raymon Ram attributed Malaysia’s improved standing to several recent policy and legislative initiatives. These include the implementation of the Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 and amendments to the Audit Act 1957, which strengthened the Auditor-General’s authority over government-linked companies and government-linked investment entities.
Additional reforms cited in the report include the introduction of the Government Procurement Bill and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act in 2025. Under the Madani administration, governance reforms have also expanded with the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028 and the formation of a dedicated CPI task force chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
Despite the progress, Transparency International Malaysia cautioned that major challenges persist. Ram stressed that key areas such as procurement transparency, effective whistleblower protection, and the regulation of political financing still require sustained attention and improvement.
The organisation also raised concerns about whether the Government Procurement Bill is strong enough to reduce corruption risks in high-value contracts. Similarly, the whistleblower protection amendments were criticised for falling short in guaranteeing full disclosure and comprehensive protection for those who come forward.
Other unresolved issues include the lack of robust political financing regulations and the potential misuse of Deferred Prosecution Agreements, which could undermine the integrity of law enforcement if not carefully managed.
Ram emphasised that the government must urgently accelerate institutional and legislative reforms, strengthen transparency mechanisms, and demonstrate consistent political commitment if Malaysia is to achieve long-term progress. Transparency International Malaysia has set a clear benchmark, urging the country to aim for a top 25 global CPI ranking by 2033.
At the heart of these numbers is something far more human than rankings or scores. For ordinary Malaysians, progress against corruption means fairer opportunities, stronger public trust, and a future where integrity is not the exception but the standard. The rise in the CPI offers hope, but it also reminds citizens and leaders alike that real change depends on sustained action, courage, and accountability every single day.