[VladFal]

Monday January 3, 2011

Whistleblowers protected by Act in fight against graft

KUALA LUMPUR: The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 which offers protection to individuals with information that could lead to the prosecution of those involved in graft is a step in the right direction to a cleaner and more transparent nation, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Kong said recently.

By providing immunity to informants from civil and criminal action, protection from harm and confidentiality of person information, he said the Act will further strengthen the existing infrastructure to prosecute the offenders in the country’s all out war against corruption, an NKRA under the GTP.

“If any detrimental action is taken against the whistleblower, he or she may file a complaint to any of the enforcement agencies,” Liew added.

The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, which came into force on December 15, 2010, is formulated to provide protection to people reporting improper conduct.

With the Act becoming law, Malaysia is one step closer to fulfilling the country’s commitments to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) leads the charge along with the Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Royal Customs Department and the Immigration Department.