PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has been elected as president of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), marking the first time Malaysia holds the presidency of the global anti-corruption body.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, hailed Azalina’s unanimous election at the IACA’s13th Assembly of Parties in Vienna on Wednesday as a historical milestone that reinforces the nation’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts.

The ministry expressed gratitude for IACA’s trust and support for Azalina, adding that it affirmed the international recognition of the Madani government’s commitment to combat corruption while also acknowledging its personal confidence in Azalina’s leadership in law reforms and governance.

"Malaysia remains committed to working closely with the IACA and its strategic partners to advance the anti-corruption agenda and uphold the principles of good governance and justice worldwide,” it said.

The IACA, since its establishment in 2011 in Austria, has served as a global centre of excellence for research as well as a training hub focused on professionals, particularly from anti-corruption agencies.

Malaysia, through the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, plays an active role in the IACA and has held the vice-president’s position of the Assembly on four occasions. — Bernama