A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the government took note of Malaysia’s two-point drop to the 57th spot in Transparency International’s (TI) annual Corruption Perceptions Index.

Even though Malaysia’s score dipped a little, the government was committed to fighting corruption and to good governance, the statement said.

“As previously announced, the National Anti-Corruption Plan will continue to be implemented to improve governance and reduce or close off any opportunities for corruption within the administration.”

The statement said the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption was always looking at ways to improve governance.

“The government has never and will not compromise on anyone involved in corruption and strict action will be taken according to the principles of the rule of law.”

Separately, the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs said the government must make institutional reforms a priority. Institute chairman Tricia Yeoh said the TI report had “clearly highlighted the stall in institutional reforms as a possible factor in the fall in ranking and score”.

Without institutional reforms, Malaysia’s position on the index would continue to suffer and affect public trust in institutions as well as business and investor confidence.