The SC presented its action plan to the Cabinet Special Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) chaired by the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on 18 July 2019, with recommendations to strengthen the standards of corporate governance to prevent corruption, misconduct and fraud.

JKKMAR approved the SC’s recommendations to require listed companies to put in place anti-corruption measures, and for the SC to develop a framework to promote the effective discharge of directors’ responsibilities. JKKMAR also agreed that several other measures proposed by the SC are to be discussed further with the Debt Management Office.

In view of the coming into force of the corporate liability provision in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 in June 2020, the SC urges listed companies to prepare themselves and take the necessary measures to establish an effective anti-corruption framework in line with the Guidelines on Adequate Procedures.

Based on the SC’s review as at 31 May 2019, only 59% of listed companies have an anti-corruption policy, and majority of these policies contain gaps when compared to the Guidelines on Adequate Procedures.