Home  >>  Daily News  >>  ASEAN ANALYSIS

ASEAN ANALYSIS

Asean Affairs   18 July  2011

Corruption is still a key regional issue

By  David Swartzemtruber

 
AseanAffairs     18 July 2011

Related Stories

July 17,2011 WEEKLY SUMMARY July 15,2011 An Emerging 'Pan-Asian Energy Infrastructure' July 14,2011 Asian economies face declining markets July 13,2011 US, Euro and now China concerns hit Asian markets July 12,2011 Proposed wage increase in Thailand already is divisive July 11,2011 Massive Malaysian protest

Corruption at the national government level in Asean countries still remains a cancer that breeds mistrust of government by its citizens, drains the coffers of needed funds and retards national development. Today’s news brings ample evidence of this plague.

In Cambodia, the top anti-drug police official in Phnom Penh was sentenced to 12 years in prison for hoarding a supply of illegal drugs and for receiving bribes to let convicted drug offenders skip out of jail.

Not to be out done, Cambodia’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation has been told to repay an estimated US$5.5 million it paid to “ghost officials” and used in “irregular expenses”.

Officials were found to have stolen money from the pensions of dead and retired civil servants, but no arrests were to be made at the time, Cambodian Premier Hun Sen said.

Just across the border in Thailand, however, in a public opinion poll 65.3 percent of respondents wanted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to have no involvement in the Cabinet formation because his opponents could stage political turmoil or a coup.

Another reason might also be that during Thaksin’ s previous term six-year term of office, “crony capitalism” was widespread, causing a flowering of corruption starting with the prime minister, himself.

In Thai government, top ministerial appoints are highly coveted as their budgets can be used to siphon funds into private pockets. It’s a worldwide issue, but it seems particularly difficult to combat in Asean.

Cambodia’s initiatives provide ample evidence that effective steps can be taken and the poll of Thai citizens shows there is concern over what personalities will take up ministerial positions.

The results of the recent poll are likely to have little influence on what actually occurs in selecting a new Thai Cabinet, however.

Reach Southeast Asia! 10- Nations, 560- Million Consumers And $1 -Trillion Market We are the Voice of Southeast Asia Media Kit The only Media Dedicated to Southeast Asia Advertising Rates for Magazine   Online Ad Rates Contact: marketing@aseanaffairs.com

Comment on this Article. Send them to  your.views@aseanaffairs.com
Letters that do not contain full contact information cannot be published.
Letters become the property of AseanAffairs and may be republished in any format.
They typically run 150 words or less and may be edited
 
or
submit your comment in the box below

---

 

Today's  Stories    15  July  2011	Subsribe Now !
• US downgrade could aid Indonesia	• Subcribe: Asean Affairs Global Magazine
• Indo police find weapons at Islamic school	• Asean Affairs Premium
• Malaysia's inflation peaked in June	Research Reports on Thailand 2007-2008 •Textiles and Garments Industry •Coffee industry •Leather and footwear industry •Shrimp industry
• Jakarta to use a Philippine play
• Philippines hot money flow doubles in first half
• Thai dairy farmers urged to go "natural"
• Pheu Thai backs down on wage increase ploy
• Vietnam falls behind in IT	p
Asean Analysis    15  July  2011	• Advertise Your Brand
• An Emerging 'Pan-Asian Energy Infrastructure'	• Sponsor Our Events
Asean Stock Watch    15  July  2011
• Asean Stock Watch-June 15	p