Malaysia and the 2010 CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX

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The 2010 CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX measures the perceived level of public sector corruption and integrity in 178 countries around the world.

Find out how Malaysia performs as compared to previous years and how the other countries measure up to one another.

The results and colored map of comparison: here (for an interactive view) or click pic above.

Of all the religions in the world, I wonder why many Islamic countries (as portrayed here) is being badly perceived as corrupted. Whereas countries in the northern and southern continents where many Christians reside, are very clean as far as the corruption index is concerned.

We know very well Islam forbids corruption and the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) strongly detest it, yet in the 21st century, many Muslim countries are perceived as corrupts. The Prophet once said: One who takes bribes and the one who gives bribes will both dwell in hell.

Even Singapore, which is our nearest neighbour (which we also share many similarities in politics, culture and values) was viewed as a very clean country (at a score of 9.3) in this index. Singapore is at top placing, together with Denmark and New Zealand.

How come we are ranked at number 56 (at a score of 4.4), together with Namibia and Turkey?

Even South Africa and Kuwait are better than us at number 54. In comparison, last year we are at the same spot, albeit with a better score of 4.5. In other words, we have not improve as far as the ranking (or perception) is concerned. In fact we have glided from the 44th ranking in 2006 when the CPI score was 50.

This also means corruption is becoming more (perceived or otherwise) rampant in this country.

And please, if you think this index is just a sham to degrade or shame developing and underdeveloped countries or even Islamic countries for that matter, then read how they derived to the conclusion: here

Perceptions are used because corruption – whether frequency or amount – is to a great extent a hidden activity that is difficult to measure.

The CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX is one of the many TI measurement tools that serve the fight against corruption.

Related article: Ethics and Corruption in Muslim Countries: Fact vs Fiction