KUALA LUMPUR – A veteran anti-graft activist has called for greater protection for whistleblowers against threats on their livelihoods and jobs resulting from their actions that help expose wrongdoing.
Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said that whistleblowers have seen their safety, wellbeing, and jobs affected, and this can make others reluctant to speak out against corruption, which is a pressing issue in the country.
The founder and president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ Malaysian chapter explained that whistleblowers can help tackle corruption and hence there should be a sturdy framework to ensure their protection.
In particular, the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) needs to be reassessed to ensure anonymity and protection for the whistleblowers.
“They (whistleblowers) must be empowered with a more robust Act 711 to encourage, support and protect them when they speak out against corruption and wrongdoings within the ranks,” he said in a statement today.
He said this is needed towards “creating a safe environment for whistleblowers to come forward confidently without fear.”
There should also be suitable rewards for those reporting on misconduct leading up to successful prosecution as stated under Section 26 of the act.
Akhbar, a former president of Transparency International Malaysia and current member of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s anti-corruption advisory board, urged for action to be taken immediately whenever whistleblowers come forward with reports.
He said that, since 2011, there have been 73,545 reports made but only a disappointingly small number – 527 complainants – have been accorded protection.
“Who would want to blow the whistle on wrongdoings if action is unlikely to be taken?” he said.
Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had announced that Act 711 is in the midst of being reviewed.
He pointed out that the number of whistleblowers has been low because of the risks of being exposed and having their livelihoods jeopardised. – The Vibes, December 2, 2021
