The Malaysian Insight

FIVE officers from an enforcement agency were hauled up by their department director for allegedly leaking information about abuses of power and corruption, said high-placed sources.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight these five enforcement officers were not afforded protection under the Whistle-blower Protection Act 2010 even though they are witnesses for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Information from the whistle-blowers resulted in the agency’s director facing MACC investigations, they said.

“Because of their role, they have been transferred from the department’s headquarters to remote locations in the past one year. One of them has since resigned due to pressure,” a source said.

One officer was transferred to Malacca and then to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, within a year.

Another officer was transferred to Jeli, Kelantan, and then to Bario in Sarawak, also within a year.

Two other officers were moved out to Sabah and Perlis respectively.

“No reasons were given for their transfers,” said the source.

The Malaysian Insight also learnt that the director had recently warned one of the officers to stop divulging information to MACC.

To fight corruption, MACC provides protection to whistle-blowers under the 2010 act.

The whistle-blowers’ identity is protected and they are given immunity from facing any disciplinary or internal action, as well as from facing civil or criminal action.

A month after taking federal power, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said whistle-blowers who report and testify on corruption will be protected by the new Pakatan Harapan government.

Those with information on corrupt activities need not fear backlash for reporting, giving assurance his administration will act against corruption. – October 25, 2019.