Corruption levels fall to 10-year low in Taiwan

2015-04-08

Taiwan recorded its best performance since 2005 in the latest corruption perception index by Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd., ranking as the sixth least corrupt economy in the Asia-Pacific.

The country’s score of 5 in the annual survey, a two-spot improvement from 5.31 in 2014, saw it finish behind Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia in that order. Zero is the best possible result and 10 the worst.

“The index shows that the ROC government has made significant headway in its efforts to effectively address corruption,” an official with the Agency Against Corruption under the Ministry of Justice said.

“With the establishment of the AAC in 2011, the government now has the weapons to effectively fight on all fronts in this critical battle. As a highly advanced democracy, Taiwan boasts separation of powers, multiparty politics and robust social movements, all of which contribute to creating the conditions for good governance.”

According to the survey, 60 percent of the respondents said there was less corruption in Taiwan over the past 12 months, 30 percent said the situation remained the same and less than 10 percent thought the problem was getting worse.

“Fighting corruption and building a clean government is an important indicator of a nation’s resolve to enhance global competitiveness,” the AAC official said.

“Taiwan will combat corruption by aligning itself with international norms and practices, including strengthening the prevention and criminalization of corruption while ensuring the protection of human rights.”

The index was compiled on the basis of opinions provided by 1,648 middle and senior managers working in the region. Other economies included are Australia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, U.S., Vietnam and mainland China.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=229022&CtNode=413)