MACC gives commitment, guarantees protection for whistleblowers, says Azam Baki


KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has guaranteed and is committed to protecting whistleblowers per the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) said the public often misunderstood the issue of whistleblowers, whereby some thought that anyone with information about corruption could apply for protection.

He said the country had laws and procedures to ensure whistleblowers were protected from undue retaliation, but it must be done so in accordance with the law to ensure its effectiveness and prevent abuse.

"First, a person cannot disclose information about an offence to the public and then apply for whistleblower protection. This is because he may have revealed his identity and disclosed information whose validity has yet to be determined.

"So it is unreasonable to expect the enforcement (MACC) to guarantee him protection before he makes a report or complaint to the agency," he said in a recent interview with Bernama.

Apart from that, Azam said that a person involved in the offence he exposed was not eligible to apply for whistleblower protection. This is clearly stated in Section 11(1) of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.

"The provision stipulates that the enforcement agency can revoke the protection if it is found that the whistleblower is also involved in the misconduct disclosed," he said.

Having fulfilled the conditions stipulated in the act, Azam said the MACC would ensure that the whistleblower's identity and the information provided were kept confidential and not disclosed to anyone, including during court hearings.

"Whistleblowers cannot be subject to civil, criminal or disciplinary action for the disclosure and are protected from any action that affects the consequences of the disclosure. Protection is also given to those with a relationship or connection with the whistleblower," he explained.

Azam said Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009 also stipulated that if a person failed to report a bribe, promise or offer, a person could be fined not more than RM100,000 and imprisoned for not more than 10 years or both.

"Failure to report solicitation or obtaining bribes can also be punished with imprisonment and fines," he said. - Bernama

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
MACC , Whistleblower Act , Protection , Azam Baki

Next In Nation

Animal shelters in Sabah appeal for funds
Over 5,000 youths declared bankrupt since 2020, mostly due to personal loans
Ministry wants public to report bottled cooking oil shortages
Man nabbed for threatening technician with parang at his home
Elderly man injured, car hits baby elephant in Mersing
Authorities seize nearly 2.4 tonnes of imported rice in Johor
KTMB offers 1,248 tickets for special express train to east coast for Aidilfitri
MCMC probes man for uploading fake content on social media
Festive deals for homebuyers
Penang direct flights with China increase to eighth city in Q2 2025

Others Also Read