Culture of courage to report is key to combating corruption

Sinar Daily

21 hours ago

The anti-graft body said guaranteed protection is crucial so that whistleblowers do not feel anxious, fearful, or threatened while carrying out their duty in the interest of national integrity.
Nurhayati said guaranteed protection is crucial so that whistleblowers do not feel anxious, fearful, or threatened while carrying out their duty in the interest of national integrity.
SHAH ALAM – The culture of courage to report must be a primary foundation for effective anti-corruption efforts.
Anti-graft body Rasuah Busters Chief Executive Officer, Nurhayati Nordin said such courage can only flourish with a strong and comprehensive legal system to protect the identity and safety of whistleblowers.
She said guaranteed protection is crucial so that whistleblowers do not feel anxious, fearful, or threatened while carrying out their duty in the interest of national integrity.
'Even if large rewards are offered, reports may still not be made if whistleblowers do not feel protected.
"Therefore, awareness should be the main agenda, and incentives do not necessarily have to be in the form of money.
'They can also be in the form of non-monetary or social recognition, alongside strengthening the Whistleblower Protection Act, which has now been passed in the Dewan Rakyat,' she told Sinar Daily on Monday.
She added that this protection is not only about the law, but also includes psychosocial aspects and public understanding of the government's aspirations.
The role of the Ombudsman Malaysia, she stated, can open up more free and transparent public reporting channels.
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor previously proposed that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim give rewards to civil servants who provide information on misconduct, in accordance with the law.
He said that financial aspects are among the main motivators for people, hence, cash rewards could be a catalyst to encourage civil servants to come forward and report misconduct.
Nurhayati added that Malaysia has had a rewards system since 2011 to encourage the public or government staff to report any misconduct or corrupt practices they witness.
While cash rewards can indeed be an effective form of motivation, she said Rasuah Busters also supports non-financial recognition.
She described that to encourage people to become 'agents of change' or 'soldiers' against corruption, rewards should come from a strategically planned system of social or moral incentives.
These could include certificates of appreciation, career promotions or awards.
'This is a form of social reward or social recognition that does not necessarily come in monetary form.
"While the effects of financial rewards may differ from the impact of social incentives, both are still significant because several studies have shown that many will report if they are aware and understand their responsibilities towards the nation, religion and organisation,' she said.
Nurhayati also pointed out that moral incentives can drive public accountability and shape a positive narrative, ultimately fostering a corruption-free culture.
'When society sees there is value in their moral actions, the outcome of their actions becomes more meaningful.
"This can be achieved with community support, the right narrative and social recognition that will increase reporting rates, ultimately saving the system from damage due to misconduct and corruption,' she added.