KUALA LUMPUR: Studies are being conducted by Putrajaya to enhance protection for whistleblowers who report on cases involving corruption and misconduct, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I agree with the call and we will table it at the next Parliament session at the latest,” he said in response to Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) during the Prime Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Mas Ermieyati asked about Putrajaya’s commitment in amending laws pertaining to the protection of whistleblowers.
Separately, Anwar said RM63mil had been recovered in the 2016 Sabah Water Department scandal that involved the siphoning of RM3.3bil funds meant for water projects.
“So far, asset recovery was RM63mil and there’s an ongoing court case,” he said.
Anwar was responding to Lo Su Fui (PBS-Tawau), who asked about measures to address large-scale corruption cases.
At the same time, Anwar said losses of RM426mil had been prevented in the Hiring Incentive Programme (PenjanaKerjaya) funds through Ops Hire.
Among others were measures to bust a syndicate stealing electricity for bitcoin mining that involved estimated losses of RM2.3mil during 2018 and 2021 through Ops Power, he said.
A syndicate on traffic summons discount in the Road Traffic Department was also busted, he added.
“I believe that emphasis is placed on large-scale corruption and it will assure the people, civil servants and political leaders that the MACC is as aggressive as decreed by the King yesterday.
“Too much time and energy has been placed on catching small fishes and this does not help, as corruption is a systemic issue.
“Our main target is to ensure effective investigations, prevention and to restore public confidence in our efforts to fight graft,” said Anwar.
It was reported in 2016 that suspects were believed to have siphoned RM3.3bil meant for water projects in Sabah since 2010 through a network of companies linked to their families.
The corruption case came to light following raids on the homes and offices of the former Sabah Water Department director and the retired deputy director of the department.
A total of RM45mil in cash was found in the director’s house and some RM3mil at the office of the other. There were also jewellery, designer handbags and other valuables seized during the raids.
The trial will resume on Feb 22 and 24.
