A comparative study on the law of corruption between Malaysia and Finland / Noor Hana Yusoff, Nurul Amirah Mohd Zaini and Syasya Adlina Amirah Latip

Corruption is one of the most damaging consequences of poor governance. It undermines the investment and economic growth and decreases the resources available for human development goals. Our research project is about a comparative study on the law of corruption between Malaysia and Finland. Our objectives in carrying out this research are to compare the law governing corruption in Malaysia and Finland and also to analyse the Act on the Openness of Government Activities in Finland and Official Secrets Act 1962 in Malaysia. In enhancing the law of corruption that has been implemented in Malaysia, the Official Secrets Act needs to be reviewed by referring to the Act of Openness on the Government activities introduced by Finland. Under this act, any government official documents are accessible to the public. Such documents will only be restricted if the documents involve the secrets of the state. If we were to implement this law in Malaysia, the citizens of Malaysia shall have the right to access any documents with regards of the government's activities. As a result of allowing the right to access of official government documents, the government officials will be more accountable and responsible to the public. By comparing the country Finland which is listed as one of the countries that are likely to be clean from corruption and Malaysia, we would like to suggest the methods used by Finland in curbing corruption in Malaysia in trying to reduce corruption practices in our country.