India ranked 6th most corrupt in Asia-Pacific region
10 Mar 2010
The Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) has ranked India as the sixth most corrupted country in the Asia-Pacific region with a score of 7.18 out of the worst possible 10 in its annual survey that covered 14 countries, as well as Hong Kong and Macau.
Indonesia was ranked the most corrupt regional nation with a grade of 9.27, followed by Cambodia (9.10), Vietnam (8.7), the Philippines (8.06) and Thailand (7.60).
Singapore remained top of the list with a score of 1.42, while Australia was second with 2.28 and Hong Kong third with 2.67.
Zero means the country or territory is seen to suffer the least corruption among politicians and civil servants, PERC said in the report.
The Hong Kong-based consultancy said Indonesian lawmakers' call for a criminal probe into the Yudhoyono government's bailout of Bank Century in 2008 reflected attempts by a corrupt establishment to maintain the status quo.
"Corruption has become a charge being used by corrupt people to protect themselves and to stifle reform," PERC said.