Investigative journalists hailing from seven Southeast Asian nations converged in Manila on March 19-20, laying the groundwork for a unified front against corruption in the region. The coalition aims to tackle the pervasive issue of corruption, which continues to hinder sustainable development despite the region’s economic growth.
Representatives from Thailand, The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Laos, and Cambodia participated in the event, collectively voicing concerns over the sluggish response to corrupt practices and the formidable task of enhancing governance in economies experiencing rapid expansion and heightened foreign direct investments.
The backdrop for this crucial gathering was Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, which spotlighted varying degrees of corruption across these nations. While Singapore emerged as the top performer, Myanmar found itself at the bottom of the regional rankings. Investigative journalists encounter a myriad of obstacles in their pursuit of truth, including restricted access to information, regulatory impediments, and the imperative need to safeguard their sources.
In response to these challenges, participants advocated for bolstered legal safeguards to protect press freedoms, intensified collaboration among journalists across borders, and heightened cybersecurity measures.
The pivotal outcome of the assembly was the establishment of the Journalists Against Corruption (JAC) network. This network is poised to facilitate regional cooperation among journalists, enabling them to unearth corruption stories and provide crucial support and protection for those engaged in such investigative endeavors.
Official representatives and dignitaries lent their support to the initiative, affirming their commitment to combatting corruption and fostering transparency across Southeast Asia.
