Malaysia is No. 61 in TI's Corruption Perception Index

Malaysia is now No. 61 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index 2018 – although its score in the CPI was unchanged at 47 out of 100. 

Sure, we had made some positive steps to eradicating corruption – but it is still too early to expect a marked improvement in our scores. 

In 2017, Malaysia ranked 62 out of 180 countries, scoring 47 points out of 100 and in 2016, Malaysia was ranked 55 among 176 countries, scoring 49 points. 

Amongst ASEAN countries, Malaysia ranked third behind Singapore and Brunei, which had scores of 85 and 63 respectively. 

It is noteworthy to highlight that for this year, the index found that more than two-thirds of countries scored below 50, with an average score of 43. 

I am a faddy eater – and so, it is rare to find food that can delight me. 

But yesterday, I was at this all-day dining place at the Petaling Jaya Hilton, the Paya Serai – where together with 3 others, we had a business lunch meeting that didn’t seem like a business meeting!

(L-R) Ritchie Ramesh, Angela Yap, Master Ramesh and Victor Ong

Anyway, business aside, this venue offers what is described as “local cuisine, international, Asian, Malaysian and vegetarian friendly” – and I actually took photos of my choice selections from the buffet table! I am behaving like a millennial! 

Salad with vinaigrette dressing: 

My main course, which is nasi hujan panas accompanied with ketam Portugis, ayam ungkep and Japanese mushroom with vegetables: 

And to keep me fully satiated, chicken and beef satay: 

I must say it was simply wonderful. Thanks to Master Suresh for the surprise treat.

BTW, thanks to Angela Yap for intoducing me to Ritchie Ramesh and to Ramesh for introducing me to Master Suresh. Blessed!