This article focuses on the challenges and possible means to the best practices in combating corruption in Southeast Asian countries as the case study. While Singapore listed as the most successful countries in the region, the countries such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia were less effective to govern corruption situations. Based on systematic reviews on combination of keyword in a wide range of literature, the study identifies the problem of governance and rule of law in those countries afflicted the government efforts undertake thus far. The published evidence on selected articles highlights main challenges in Southeast Asia are related to reporting and punishing alleged corrupt individual at high ranks of senior government official and political leader. The findings reveal the close connection of anti-corruption agencies under the political executive limiting the agency power, independence and the implementation capacities in enforcement of the law of those found guilty of corruption. The current study suggests the reform such as re-locating anti-corruption agency from the political executive or parties in power, strong public support in a reform programmed and whistle-blower protection, as well as the continuous political support from country leaders on agency work, especially on grand corruption are proves to be significant.
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