Latest news with #SivamuruganPandian
Barnama
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Amended Act 711 Signals Strong Political Will For Governance Reform
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711), passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, have been seen as a clear manifestation of the MADANI Government's political will to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability in national governance. Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian described the move as a catalyst for institutional reform that could encourage more people to come forward and report misconduct, thereby reinforcing the existing legal framework. 'This clearly demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing enforcement and safeguarding the rights of whistleblowers in line with practices in developed nations,' he told Bernama when contacted. He also stressed the importance of establishing robust audit and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the authenticity of disclosures and prevent misuse for personal or political gain. 'When trust in the system is established, more individuals will be willing to come forward without fear of repercussions,' said the lecturer of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Social Sciences. Another analyst, Mujibu Abd Muis, described the amendments as a significant milestone, particularly the establishment of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee the comprehensive implementation of the law. He noted that this new mechanism would reduce previous reliance on bureaucratic discretion by agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or the National Audit Department. However, Mujibu cautioned that successful implementation would require more than just legal changes; it demands a cultural shift within the public administration. 'In an administrative culture that remains hierarchical and feudalistic, many still fear administrative or social retaliation. Legal reform alone won't suffice if the prevailing 'culture of silence' persists,' he said.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia remains attractive investment destination
MALAYSIA continues to draw strong investor interest despite global headwinds. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said that the country has secured RM89.8 billion in approved investments for the first quarter of 2025. This marks a steady 3.7 per cent year-on-year increase, and is set to generate over 33,300 new employment opportunities for Malaysians. Last year, Malaysia recorded RM378.5 billion in approved investments, the highest in the nation's history. According to MIDA, foreign investments dominated the investment landscape for Q1 of 2025, contributing RM60.4 billion or 67.3 per cent of total investments, highlighting Malaysia's position as a top-tier investment destination. REMAINING RESILIENT Although Malaysia cannot escape shifts in the global economy, the country can prepare and remain resilient. Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams said national stability — reflected in stable prices, consistent growth and predictable policies — is key to maintaining business and household confidence. He added that such stability, supported by social cohesion and clear policies, underpins Malaysia's economic resilience and competitiveness. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said that stability builds trust and confidence, especially among investors and in terms of attracting foreign direct investment. "Without stability, it sends various signals to investors, as though the environment is uncertain and trust in the government is eroding, even if much of it is sentiment or perception," the analyst added. He said that the end result always becomes a benchmark or indicator of the government's strength. "Political rhetoric, when backed by implementation, delivery systems, structures or trusted institutions that produce solid results, will attract investors, even more so if the policy is investor-friendly, with a flexible approach and mechanism," he explained.
