The 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index released By Transparency International

Yesterday Transparency International released its 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index (Index). The Index, which is the most widely used indicator of corruption worldwide, measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in all countries, scoring them from 0 ("highly corrupt") to 100 ("very clean"). This year the Index has scored and ranked a total of 175 nations and territories. The scores and rankings are based on data from a number of detailed international surveys that consider factors such as accountability of national and local governments, effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, access to information regarding decision making processes in government, and compliance with ethics and conflict of interest rules.

KEY RESULTS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION

Approximately two-thirds of the nations and territories in the Asia Pacific region scored less than 50. Just three nations (Australia, New Zealand and Singapore) achieved a score greater than 80 and only four other nations and territories (Bhutan, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan) achieved a score greater than 60.

Some of the most problematic scores were given to nations which have been the subject of a massive influx of foreign investment over the past several years, particularly in the construction, energy and offshore sectors:

Bangladesh achieved a score of 25 (down from 27 in 2013) Myanmar achieved a score of 21 (unchanged from 2013) Papua New Guinea achieved a score of 25 (unchanged from 2013) Vietnam achieved a score of 31 (unchanged from 2013) The performance of the three largest nations in the region is also noteworthy:

India

India achieved a score of 38 (up from 36 in 2013). This follows a 12-month period of significant legislative developments aimed at addressing bribery and corruption including:

the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to constitute a Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States, to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption involving politicians and senior public officials; and the introduction of legislation to criminalise bribery of foreign public officials. Indonesia

Indonesia achieved a score of 34 (up from 32 in 2013). This follows a 12-month period which has seen the continuation of a number of high-profile prosecutions and investigations, and several instances where the KPK (the main government agency that enforces Indonesia's anti-corruption laws) has worked in conjunction with other regulatory bodies including the UK's Serious...