PM says bill will distinguish genuine whistleblowers from criminals misusing the law for protection.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a bill to refine the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 will be tabled next year.
He told the Dewan Negara today that the proposed amendments aim to clearly distinguish genuine whistleblowers from individuals who are thieves, corrupt, or criminals attempting to misuse the law for personal gain.
“We have a minister tasked with this matter who is very firm and efficient, and I am confident the bill will be presented early next year to establish a clear framework under the Act,” he said.
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Anwar said the move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and integrity within government agencies, ensuring that protections intended for whistleblowers are not exploited by those seeking to shield wrongdoing.
He also assured that the rights of whistleblowers are guaranteed, and that measures are in place to safeguard their safety and that of their families so they are not victimised by criminals.
“However, there is currently confusion in our country, where thieves and corrupt individuals are also being considered whistleblowers and even regarded as ‘heroes.’
“This becomes a problem when someone steals RM1 billion and claims, ‘I will cooperate with the MACC’ in order to recover only RM100. That is not a whistleblower, that is a hardened criminal.
“The same applies to a murderer who commits a crime and then offers to cooperate on the condition of being released.
“We must carefully examine the culture of glorifying individuals who admit to bribing political leaders and clearly distinguish genuine whistleblowers, whose protection and security must be ensured, from hardened criminals misusing the whistleblower label,” he added.
