Corruption among the powerful is among the top concerns in Malaysia as well as other countries in the region.

It causes wastage in the use of public funds; produces sub-standard public services and infrastructure; erodes proper town planning; and diverts resources from where these are needed most.

It is now leading to higher taxes in Malaysia, as the government tries to move away from deficit budgets.

While it is always difficult to prove corruption, the powerful are also most able to enjoy impunity from their actions, by subverting investigations and prosecutions. Policing is most difficult when those under scrutiny have access to the highest levels of power and influence.

The perception that corruption is rampant among the powerful is reinforced when there has been an obvious loss of public funds, and yet no individual is found guilty of an offence.

The public would conclude that either government guidelines are so weak and ineffective that such bad practices are allowed under law, or that a cover-up is taking place.

Public confidence is also lost as powerful figures walk free when charges are dropped. More so, when they feel no obligation to live a moderate lifestyle and instead indulge in lavish parties and weddings.

Perception is always a powerful lever. Action against the top echelon of power sends shivers down to the corrupt but less powerful. The veil of impunity is lifted, and the corrupt will know that they will have no escape route, should their crimes be detected.

Investigative agencies point out that their powers are limited and that they have to combat corruption with one hand tied behind their back. They have asked for amendments to laws to allow them to take the fight forward.

Malaysiakini, in conjunction with the Asia Calling regional media programme will bring various parties together to engage the public in addressing this challenge.

We will hear from Bapak Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, a former member of the Corruption Eradication Commission of Indonesia; MACC investigations director Mustaffar Ali; and Farouk Musa, director of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism.

They will provide different perspectives on the realities of combating corruption and how this can be taken to the next level.

We will also witness the launch of a new non-governmental organisation - the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) by its executive director Cynthia Gabriel and public leader Ambiga Sreenevasan.

We invite the public to join us in this interesting discussion ‘Asia Calling Forum – Delinking power and corruption’ from 6.30-9.30pm on Thursday, at the Dewan Perdana, Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, Jalan Bukit Kiara, Damansara.

Programme

6.15pm:     Registration

6.45pm:     Welcome

6.50pm:     Introduction to the Centre to Combat Corruption and

                  Cronyism (C4) by Executive Director, Cynthia Gabriel

7.00pm:     Keynote and official launch by Ambiga Sreenevasan

7.30pm:     Refreshments

8.00pm:     Asia Calling Forum: ‘Delinking Power and Corruption’

                  Panel Discussion moderated by Malaysiakini

                  CEO Premesh Chandran

                - Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa, Director C4

                - Bapak Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, Indonesia

                - Mustaffar Ali, Investigations Director, MACC

8.45pm:     Q&A

9.30pm:     Ends