Malaysia-initiated Perdana International Anti-Corruption Champion Fund (PIACCF) is set to be launched tomorrow (11 February 2020) to provide support to anti-corruption fighters worldwide.

National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) director-general Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the fund, with the initial RM500,000 (over USD120,000) contribution from Malaysia being the first country to so, is scheduled to be launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He told a media briefing here today the fund was aimed to provide support to officials of anti-corruption agencies targeted or exposed to threats against their lives, safety and dignity in investigation and enforcement actions against corruption activities.

"This fund was created to help these people. We want anti-corruption agencies to be independent and fight for the truth without fear," Abu Kassim said.

He said the setting up of the fund was following the adoption to establish the fund at the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) General Conference in Vienna, in Jan last year.

According to Abu Kassim, the IAACA had earlier called the fund as "Mahathir International Anti-Corruption Champion Fund" to appreciate his role in fighting corruption, but Dr Mahathir had later proposed the name as PIACCF for the welfare of anti-corruption officers who have been “exploited” in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, Datuk Muhammad Salim Sundar, one of the PIACCF trustee, said apart from the launching of the fund,  the event will also present the International Anti-Corruption Award 2020 to two individuals for their efforts in fighting corruption.