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New Straits Times
03-08-2025
- 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.
New Straits Times
26-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Madani legal reform gains momentum with key bills and motions passed
KUALA LUMPUR: 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 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 said that although the Act 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. This week's sitting also saw the tabling of four bills for first reading, the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Compulsory Attendance of Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025. In addition, the Dewan Rakyat approved two motions: the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) 2/2025 on the Activities of Federal Ministries, Departments, Statutory Bodies and Government-linked Companies; and the 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). The approval of both motions reflects the Madani government's commitment to transparency and accountability in ensuring sound public financial governance and respect for human rights, thereby reinforcing public confidence in government institutions through transparent reporting and comprehensive auditing. Several MPs who participated in the debate on the LKAN 2/2025 commended the government's openness in tabling the report, describing it as a progressive step that allows elected representatives to scrutinise audit findings and propose constructive improvements. Separately, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the tabling and debate of Suhakam's Annual Report marked an important democratic tradition, as it provides a platform for MPs to review the state of human rights in the country and propose policy and implementation reforms. Also drawing attention this week was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's firm stance on Malaysia's unchanged position regarding the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, including Iran. During Minister's Question Time, Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia's position remains steadfast, even in the face of potential pressure or objections from the United States during ongoing tariff negotiations, which are expected to continue through August. The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament will continue for 24 days until Aug 28. – Bernama
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.
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.
