Many unaware whistleblowers are protected by law

The New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are still unaware that they will receive protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 for disclosing any improper conduct of their companies and agencies.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Mustafar Ali said their survey conducted last year involving 10,000 Malaysians revealed that half of them did not realise the existence of the law, which had been enforced since 2010.

“The act was designed to combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sector. It will protect and cover any employee of the public or private sector who disclose wrongdoing.”

Mustafar said the MACC had received 5,000 tip-offs relating to corruption and other wrongdoings annually since the implementation of the act.

“A whistleblower will not be subjected to any civil action or criminal liability and no administrative process can be taken against them.

“However, only 39 people have been protected under this act since 2010,” he said, adding that those protected under the act would not have their identity exposed.

He said the gathering of evidence would be conducted by the commission’s investigation unit to ensure their identity was not compromised.

Mustafar was speaking after officiating the “Whistleblowing – Your Right, Our Commitment” forum at the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Academy here yesterday. The forum aimed to explore the platforms available to combat corruption.

Among the panellists were MACC deputy public prosecutor, Anthony Kevin Morais, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) chief executive officer, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, and Malaysian Bar president, Christopher Leong.

Some 150 participants from non-governmental organisations, professionals, lawyers and students, attended the half-day forum.