Latest news with #WhistleblowerProtection(Amendment)Bill2025
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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Legal framework for whistleblowers too rigid, says integrity institute chief [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) believes that the current legal framework governing whistleblowers is too rigid to protect informants effectively, and that a realistic and robust system is long overdue. IIM president and chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Ramdzan Daud said more safeguards are needed to protect those who dare to expose wrongdoing from within. "Who would willingly come forward with information about a syndicate if their own life is at serious risk?" he said. Ramdzan, a former Special Branch director, said the legal requirements should not discourage the very people the system needed to come forward. The current internal systems, particularly supervisory roles and structural vulnerabilities, must be reviewed, he said. Ramdzan, who is also the former Special Branch director, said whistleblowers aren't created overnight. "A person working inside a syndicate, for example, has likely been involved in its activities for some time. It's not as simple as someone working today and turning into a whistleblower tomorrow. They've likely thought long and hard about the risks involved. "If they're willing to come forward, then we have to ask: what can we offer them? And more importantly, is that offer worth the risk in their eyes? They know that the moment they blow the whistle, their identity is essentially exposed. They become a target. And that's where we step in — to offer protection and support." Ramdzan's statement comes as the government is pressing ahead with reforms to the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, which were passed in the Dewan Rakyat last month. Some of the amendments were expanding reporting channels and including the possibility of allowing disclosures to parties other than enforcement agencies, with the aim of encouraging more whistleblowers to come forward without fear. Civil society organisations and politicians have called for more changes, such as protection for disclosures made in good faith to the media, and for whistleblowers who may have been complicit but are key to exposing systemic abuse. Under the current law, protection is only extended when disclosures are made to enforcement agencies, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Public disclosures — including to the media — are excluded, and whistleblower protection may be revoked if the informant is found to be involved in the offence. Ramdzan said formalising a "risk-and-reward" mechanism waskey to effective deterrence and could help address the limitations of the existing Whistleblower Protection Act 2010. He said whistleblowers who help prevent significant financial losses should be fairly compensated. "If we manage to prevent the leakage of RM1 million in subsidised goods, is it unreasonable to suggest that 10 or 15 per cent go to the informant?" he said. He said a certificate of appreciation carries little weight and informants who provide information leading to major busts should receive meaningful rewards. However, he cautioned that whistleblowing must not be driven purely by personal gain. "If every case involving money turns into a reward opportunity, we risk losing control," he said. "If someone comes forward out of revenge, such as failing to secure a contract, they are an offender too. Integrity must exist even in the whistleblower," he added.
BusinessToday
28-07-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Middle East Tensions And Maritime Disputes Among Key Issues In Dewan Rakyat
Malaysia's short- and long-term plans to address ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East took centre stage in today's Dewan Rakyat sitting, as outlined in the Order Paper on Parliament's official website. Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) raised the issue during the Minister's Question Time, seeking clarification from the Prime Minister on the government's approach to the matter. Also under the spotlight, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) questioned how the International Court of Justice's 2002 decision affirming Malaysia's sovereignty over Ligitan and Sipadan Islands may affect the determination of maritime boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea, particularly over blocks ND6 (Block Y) and ND7 (Block Z) shared with Indonesia. During the oral question session, Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) requested an update from the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry on government efforts to manage tariff disputes involving the United States and the role of state governments in the process. Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to detail the financial impact of subsidy cuts on the egg market, including how much savings have been generated. The sitting also included the first reading of the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the second readings of the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025. This second meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Parliament will span 24 days, with the 13th Malaysia Plan set to be tabled on July 31. Related
The Sun
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MADANI legal reforms advance with key bills and motions passed
KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government's legal and institutional reforms gained traction as five bills and two key motions were approved in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting. Key changes include amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and new penalties for minor littering offences. The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, designed to enhance safeguards for whistleblowers and improve misconduct reporting mechanisms, was passed via majority voice vote after debate by 24 MPs. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasised the government's dedication to strengthening anti-corruption measures and integrity in both public and private sectors. She acknowledged that while Act 711 has been in place for over a decade, gaps remain that require attention. Three additional bills—Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025, and Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025—aim to improve public cleanliness. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming highlighted that community service orders will now supplement fines for littering offences, targeting items like cigarette butts, plastic waste, and food wrappers. Nga stressed the importance of fostering civic responsibility and environmental awareness to build a cleaner, more sustainable Malaysia. The Consumer Credit (Finance) Bill 2025 also passed, addressing regulatory gaps in the credit sector, particularly for vulnerable borrowers at risk of exploitation. Four other bills were tabled for first reading, including amendments to the Poisons Act and Fisheries Act. Two significant motions were approved: the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) 2/2025 and SUHAKAM's 2023 Annual Report. These approvals underscore the government's commitment to transparency and human rights, reinforcing public trust through rigorous auditing and accountability. MPs praised the government's openness in presenting the LKAN report, calling it a progressive move enabling legislative scrutiny and policy improvements. Azalina noted that debating SUHAKAM's report strengthens democratic traditions by allowing MPs to assess human rights conditions and propose reforms. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated Malaysia's unwavering stance on Gaza and Middle East issues, including Iran, despite potential pressure from the US amid ongoing tariff negotiations. The parliamentary session will continue until Aug 28. - Bernama
Barnama
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
MADANI Legal Reform Gains Momentum With Key Bills And Motions Passed
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government's legal and institutional reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with five bills and two key motions passed in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting. It included amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) and the introduction of community service penalties for minor littering offences. The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, drafted to expand protection for whistleblowers and strengthen mechanisms for reporting misconduct, was passed by a majority voice vote following debate by 24 members of parliament. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who tabled the Bill, reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing whistleblower protection as part of its anti-corruption efforts and drive to improve public and private sector integrity. She noted that although the Act 711 has been in force for over a decade, it still contains weaknesses that need to be addressed. Also drawing attention during this week's Dewan Rakyat proceedings were the passage of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving public cleanliness. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the amendments seek to address the issue of minor littering, including cigarette butts, tissues, plastic, drink cans, and food wrappers, in public spaces and roads by introducing community service orders as an additional penalty to existing fines. Nga said the move is crucial to instill civic responsibility, raise public awareness and cultivate a culture of cleanliness, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Malaysia for the well-being of its people. Also passed was the Consumer Credit (Finance) Bill 2025, which was formulated to address significant gaps in the currently unregulated sector, particularly among businesses targeting vulnerable credit consumers who are susceptible to exploitation.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia strengthens whistleblower protection with new legal amendments
PUTRAJAYA: The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed unanimously in the Dewan Rakyat, represents a significant step in Malaysia's efforts to promote integrity and combat corruption. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) hailed the amendments as a crucial development under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028. According to BHEUU, the updated law aims to encourage more individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. 'The MADANI government remains committed to rejecting all forms of intimidation against whistleblowers and will continue to strengthen protection policies to build a more transparent, accountable and corruption-free Malaysia,' the agency stated. Key reforms include the formation of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee implementation and the removal of legal loopholes that previously allowed protection for corrupt acts. 'This principle is crucial to ensure that any misconduct or harmful action occurring in the public or private sector can be exposed, provided the disclosure is made responsibly and in accordance with the stipulated conditions,' BHEUU explained. Additional safeguards extend protection through the Witness Protection Programme for those facing threats after reporting wrongdoing. The amendments also introduce Section 11(1A), granting enforcement agencies discretion to maintain or revoke protection based on public interest. 'These amendments are vital in allowing for the revocation of protection if a whistleblower is found to have participated in the misconduct in question,' the statement added. BHEUU expressed gratitude to lawmakers, stakeholders, and civil society for their contributions in shaping the reforms. The amendments are expected to reinforce public trust in governance while ensuring accountability across sectors. – Bernama
