Political Corruption Index in Southeast Asia, 2023

The Political Corruption Index for Southeast Asia in 2023, sourced from Our World in Data and researched by the V-Dem Institute, provides insights into corruption levels across the region. The index ranges from 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating greater levels of perceived corruption.

Cambodia Tops the Corruption Index

According to the V-Dem Institute, Cambodia recorded the highest level of political corruption in Southeast Asia, with a score of 0.88. The assessment covers corruption cases within government institutions, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Factors such as bribery, embezzlement, and weak legal frameworks contribute to Cambodia’s high corruption perception.

High Corruption Levels in the Philippines and Myanmar

Following Cambodia, the Philippines scored 0.81, reflecting its ongoing challenges in political integrity and governance reforms. Myanmar, with a score of 0.80, continues to face systemic corruption amid its political instability.

Moderate to High Corruption: Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Viet Nam

• Indonesia – 0.77: Corruption remains a significant concern, particularly in bureaucracy and law enforcement.
• Laos – 0.71: The country struggles with transparency and accountability in governance.
• Thailand – 0.68: Despite anti-corruption measures, issues persist in political financing and patronage networks.
• Viet Nam – 0.48: Moderate levels of corruption, with ongoing government-led efforts to curb malpractice.

Lower Corruption Levels: Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Singapore

• Malaysia – 0.32: Stronger anti-corruption enforcement compared to its regional counterparts.
• Timor-Leste – 0.22: Maintains relatively low corruption levels due to active civic engagement and international oversight.
• Singapore – 0.02: Stands out as the least corrupt nation in Southeast Asia, thanks to strict governance, transparency, and an independent judiciary.

Conclusion

The 2023 Political Corruption Index highlights significant disparities in governance and integrity across Southeast Asia. While countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste have strong anti-corruption frameworks, nations such as Cambodia, the Philippines, and Myanmar face persistent governance challenges. Addressing these issues remains crucial for political stability, economic development, and public trust in the region.