No protection for whistleblowers involved in graft, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his government’s policy is clear that protection is only afforded to those who are clean and not involved in elements of graft.

PETALING JAYA: 

Whistleblowers cannot expect protection if they are involved in cases of graft, particularly so in the case involving eight assemblymen, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) needs to be given room to investigate.

“Please give MACC room to conduct detailed investigations into all its cases, including the bribery case involving eight assemblymen,” Astro Awani reported him as saying in Cairo, Egypt.

Anwar stressed that his government’s policy is clear that protection is only afforded to those who are clean and not involved in elements of graft.

“So if the information (provided) hints at the involvement of the whistleblower in graft, it must be investigated and protection cannot be immediately given,” he said.

Anwar said he had not received any letters from any individuals requesting protection, as he is still in Egypt.

Last Friday, a senior MACC official reportedly met with a lawyer who played him a 17-second audio recording, in which several people were heard discussing matters involving money.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki was reported as saying the lawyer said his client was ready to provide evidence, but wanted MACC to sign an agreement stating that the client would not be investigated.

However, the MACC official did not agree as it is not part of the legal process.

Azam said MACC cannot give a written guarantee of immunity without detailed information of the wrongdoing in question.

He said the witness was urged to make an official report, allowing him to be protected under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2010. - FMT