Corruption is a virulent scourge that left untreated grinds the machinery of state to a halt, costing the people freedom, health, money and, in extremis: life. This is why cracking down on the practice is one of the most important objectives for any government serious about enhancing a country’s economic, political and social climes.
For the ROC government, formulating effective policies that tackle corruption is part of a step-by-step process that also promotes Taiwan as a global model for good governance. An integral part of this approach involves targeting the wrongdoings of civil servants, ensuring that publicly entrusted power is not misused for private gain.
On July 20, the government made significant headway in its crusade with the inauguration of the Ministry of Justice’s Agency Against Corruption. Boasting 180 employees operating out of three offices in northern, central and southern Taiwan, the AAC represents the nation’s best hope of ensuring those paid from the public purse act visibly, predictably and understandably.
Working hand in hand with the Anti-corruption Division of the Investigation Bureau, along with the Control Yuan and Taiwan’s 1,900 ethics units within government bodies, the AAC will play a vital role in sounding the death knell for institutionalized corruption that exists in stark contrast to the fundamental tenets of democracy.
An all-too-real consequence of any program seeking to clean up corruption in the civil service is the airing of dirty laundry. Officials are bound to be caught and their misdeeds will make for juicy headlines. But the government is not afraid of this reality and, in fact, desires the public be kept fully informed of all progress.
In exposing possible abuses by civil servants, the government understands this will strengthen the social fabric of society. If real progress can be shown, people will develop greater trust in the political system, its institutions and leadership. This in turn creates a stronger society, and encourages greater accountability at all levels.
An additional benefit stemming from the agency’s launch is that Taiwan’s performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International, the global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption, is bound to improve. When first released in 1995, Taiwan was ranked 25th, but this dropped to as low as 39th in 2008. The latest report sees the nation improving to 33, reaffirming that the government’s anti-corruption policies have Taiwan heading in the right direction.
The fight against corruption is an ongoing one that requires political will and courage of convictions. The ROC government has ample quantities of both and is working to put the necessary laws in place to ensure its entrusted power is used for the benefit of society as a whole, not the exclusive domain of a few.
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