Whistleblower received death threat.
Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) has decried the lack of support from authorities and government leaders over a whistleblower’s allegation that several politicians have engaged in corrupt practices.
“We are outraged by the lack of support for the whistleblower and urge for the immediate reform of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010,” it said in a statement today.
Yesterday, the whistleblower at the heart of an alleged corruption scandal filed a police report, claiming that he received a death threat.
According to the report, lodged last night, he had received a WhatsApp call from an unidentified foreign number.
“During the 16-second phone call, a man threatened me in Chinese saying he was from a ‘hired killer group’ and had been instructed to kill me within 24 hours if I did not shut up. He said this was my final warning.
“The caller also sent me photographs of guns and bullets as well as a photo of a man shot lying on the road.
“I am very afraid. I fear for my safety and the safety of my family,” read the report, which Malaysiakini sighted.
On Nov 9, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said his agency could not provide a written guarantee that the whistleblower would not be investigated or prosecuted.
Azam stressed that the law states that when the individual provides the information to the authorities, he is protected under the law but this can be revoked if he or she is found to be involved in the offence.
C4 Center said the whistleblower’s concerns were not without basis as Section 11(1)(a) of the Whistleblower Protection Act mandates the revocation of the whistleblower’s protection if the enforcement agency feels the whistleblower has participated in the improper conduct disclosed.
“It means that if the whistleblower is found to be part of the scandal or is mainly whistleblowing to avoid dismissal or disciplinary action, they lose their protection.
“This aspect of the law has been heavily criticised for limiting the scope of whistleblower protection, as it is often only individuals closely connected to the cases who have access to incriminating evidence,” the NGO added.
C4 Center also chastised lawmakers for keeping mum on the matter despite the severity of the allegations levelled.
“We laud the efforts of Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng who has committed to sharing the evidence and names of those involved in Parliament should the whistleblower reach out to him.
“However, he stands in the minority in seeking the truth behind this matter. C4 Center criticises the deafening silence from other MPs and assemblypersons on this issue,” it said.
Having said that, C4 Center urged the MACC to provide whistleblower immunity as requested.
The NGO also urged lawmakers to provide support to the whistleblower and commit to reforms for oversight over elected officials, including an asset declaration law at the federal and state levels.
“The government must amend the Whistleblower Protection Act to ensure adequate protection is afforded to all whistleblowers.
“Putrajaya must also reform the MACC by removing it from the direct influence of the prime minister and placing it under parliamentary oversight.
“Further reforms must be instituted regarding the appointment and removal process of the chief commissioner.”
Echoing C4 Center’s sentiments, Aliran urged the MACC to provide protection to the whistleblower against possible interference from these state assembly members who have political clout.
“Individuals who expose corruption and are willing to come forward with evidence must be encouraged to do so, without fear of a backlash from the alleged culprits.
“The speed with which MACC responds to the whistleblower’s plea for protection would be a measure of the government’s commitment to fighting corruption in society.
“Swift action will send a strong message that political leaders must put the people’s interests before theirs. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of the people’s trust,” it added. – Malaysiakini