Corruption scandals in six Asian countries: a comparative analysis

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare and evaluate how the governments in six Asian countries have dealt with selected grand corruption scandals.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the comparative analysis of 11 corruption scandals examined in the six articles on India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore included in this special issue ofPublic Administration and Policy.FindingsThe responses of the governments in the six countries depend on the strength of their political will in combating corruption. The responses of the governments in Malaysia, Philippines, India and Japan reflect their weak political will in combating corruption and lack of accountability of the corrupt offenders. By contrast, the strong political will of the governments in Singapore and Macau is reflected in the investigation and punishment of the corrupt offenders without any cover-up of the scandals.Originality/valueThe findings would be of interest to scholars, policymakers and anti-corruption practitioners and activists.