CNA wins international award for scoops on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts

SINGAPORE: Veteran CNA journalist Leslie Lopez won accolades on Wednesday (Nov 6) for his scoops on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts. 
Mr Lopez clinched silver in the “Best Breaking News Article” category at the 2024 WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards ceremony at Singapore’s Mount Faber Peak, which was attended by senior business and editorial leaders from the region and around the world.
WAN-IFRA, also known as the World Association of News Publishers, is the global organisation of the world’s press. It has an international network of 3,000 news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, and together with 60 member publisher associations, represents 18,000 publications in 120 countries.
“It always feels good to be recognised for your work, but above all, I am very humbled,” Mr Lopez said.
The gold award in the category was won by Indian newspaper The Hindu for a series of articles on electoral bonds.
This year’s WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards saw 251 entries from 42 media organisations across 13 countries in a variety of categories.
Among the articles Mr Lopez won the award for was the seizure of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin’s flagship, Ilham Tower, by the anti-graft agency last year. The multi-million dollar commercial building in Kuala Lumpur city is one of the largest towers in the capital.
Mr Lopez spoke to finance executives close to the former politician, who wielded enormous power during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s two stints as premier. They told Mr Lopez that the seizure took place on Dec 21, following Mr Daim’s refusal to submit to petitions from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to declare his and his family’s financial holdings.
The breaking news article, published that day, made CNA the first to bring the news to readers. 
Another article covered how former Malaysian premier Najib Razak had his 12-year jail term halved in a royal pardon. 
Najib was convicted in 2020 of corruption charges related to the 1MDB scandal and began serving his prison term in August 2022. 
Mr Lopez spoke to official sources, including senior government officials, ensuring CNA was again first across the line with the story. 
These two exclusives were part of around 10 analysis pieces and features by Mr Lopez on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts and the effects on its political scene, corporate sector, and investment climate.
Mr Lopez is based in Kuala Lumpur. He has been reporting extensively on political and economic affairs in the region since the mid-1980s.