Our Work
PROBLEM
STATEMENT
Corruption Perception Index in ASEAN Countries
State Inteference as New Normal in ASEAN Countries
ASEAN nations face growing state interference in Anti Corruption Agencies (ACAs), undermining their independence and effectiveness. This erosion prioritizes elite power over accountability, leading to abandoned cases, diminished public trust, and unchecked corruption. It threatens democracy, deters investment, and exacerbates inequalities, risking a culture of impunity that endangers the region’s future.
State Interference in AntiCorruption Agencies
In ASEAN, state interference in Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) is on the rise, with political elites using legislative changes, financial controls, and strategic appointments to weaken their autonomy. This trend reflects a broader erosion of democratic institutions, as governments prioritize elite interests over transparency and accountability.
The Consequences of a Weakened Anti-Corruption Framework
The weakening of ACAs has dire consequences: investigative powers are curtailed, key cases are abandoned, and public trust is eroded. As corruption thrives unchecked, institutions meant to combat Corruption, Collusion, and Nepotism (KKN) are rendered ineffective, allowing impunity to prevail.
The Regional Risks of Corruption Impunity
This alarming trend undermines ASEAN’s commitments to international anti-corruption frameworks, jeopardizing economic stability, human rights, and sustainable development. Without immediate action, a culture of impunity risks becoming the norm, threatening the region’s democratic and equitable future.
Strengthening ACA’s in Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s 2019 KPK Law amendment, adding a presidential oversight board, weakened probes into elite corruption and eroded public trust, showing how state capture can dismantle effective anti-corruption bodies.
Malaysia’s MACC faces criticism for politicization and bias, with leadership changes and selective enforcement undermining its credibility, as seen in its failure to hold figures accountable in the 1MDB scandal.
Under Duterte, the Philippine Ombudsman’s budget cuts and political appointments weakened its credibility, with selective justice favoring allies and targeting opponents.
Thailand’s NACC is accused of bias, targeting opposition while shielding military-backed governments, notably after the 2014 coup, and its inaction on the General Watch Scandal has undermined its legitimacy.
Vietnam’s CSCAC, chaired by the Communist Party’s Secretary-General, raises concerns about independence. Its selective enforcement, targeting political rivals, undermines public trust and limits reform efforts.
Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar’s ACC serves the junta, targeting civilian leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi while ignoring corruption. Seen as a political tool, it has lost legitimacy and halted genuine anti-corruption efforts.
Cambodia’s ACU, controlled by Hun Sen, targets opponents while ignoring corruption in his party, undermining credibility & worsening anti-corruption rankings.
Laos’s SIAA is hampered by underfunding and lack of transparency, limiting its ability to tackle high-level corruption.
Brunei’s ACB, operating under the Sultan’s government, lacks independence and transparency, reducing its effectiveness and fostering skepticism about tackling corruption among powerful figures.
Though Singapore’s CPIB is considered one of the most effective ACAs in ASEAN, its placement under the Prime Minister’s Office raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
In Timor-Leste, political interference has weakened the The Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC), undermining its independence and ability to tackle high-level corruption.
OUR
STRATEGY
VISION
AND MISSION
To establish a corruption-free Southeast Asia through collaborative, innovative, and crossborder approaches, uniting nations in the fight against transnational corruption and fostering integrity, accountability, and transparency across all sectors.
MISSION
To serve as a premier, independent syndication of anticorruption experts in Southeast Asia, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, strategies, and best practices across borders, free from external influence.
To create a regional platform that bridges governments, civil society, and businesses in a united front against corruption, while maintaining impartiality and autonomy in its operations.
To strengthen the capacity of professionals and academics by fostering continuous engagement and skill development in anticorruption efforts, ensuring that the institution's independence remains a cornerstone of its educational and advisory roles.
Our
Uniqueness
The weakening of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) Independence in Southeast Asia threatens governance, democracy, and economic stability. Political interference enables unchecked corruption, deepens inequality, and undermines public trust. SEA ACTIONS is essential to protect ACA independence, restore accountability, and safeguard the region’s future.
The independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) across Southeast Asia is increasingly under threat, jeopardizing governance, democracy, and regional economic stability. Political interference weakens these agencies, allowing corruption to flourish unchecked, exacerbating inequality, and eroding public trust in institutions. SEA ACTIONS was established as a direct response to these challenges, serving as a vital force to protect ACA independence and restore the principles of accountability and transparency. By addressing these threats, SEA ACTIONS plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the region’s future, ensuring that governance systems remain resilient and capable of withstanding undue influence.
SEA ACTIONS unites in-office and former ACA officials in a coalition to monitor, support, and advocate for embattled agencies. Acting as a partner, it provides legal support, public campaigns, and practical solutions to protect ACA independence and restore trust in anti-corruption efforts.
SEA ACTIONS brings together a unique coalition of current and former Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) officials united by a shared commitment to defending embattled agencies. This strategic alliance leverages the collective experience and expertise of its members to provide a robust support system for ACAs under threat. Through legal assistance, public advocacy campaigns, and the development of practical, tailored solutions, SEA ACTIONS actively protects the independence of ACAs. By bridging knowledge gaps and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the organization not only safeguards institutional integrity but also rebuilds public confidence in anti-corruption initiatives.
SEA ACTIONS conducts in-depth research on regional corruption networks to enhance anti-corruption strategies across Southeast Asia. By analyzing trends, identifying key actors, and uncovering systemic vulnerabilities, SEA ACTIONS provides actionable insights to address corruption in both public and private sectors, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the region.
A cornerstone of SEA ACTIONS' efforts is the Corruption Eradication Academy (CEA), a research hub dedicated to combating corruption through rigorous analysis and data-driven strategies. The academy maps regional corruption networks, identifies systemic vulnerabilities, and analyzes the roles of key actors involved in corruption schemes. Its work encompasses both public and private sector corruption, providing comprehensive insights into Southeast Asia’s corruption landscape. By translating research into actionable strategies, the CEA equips policymakers, ACAs, and civil society with the tools necessary to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability across the region.
