I refer to Malaysiakini report Lingam tape: Name source or face jail . Potential whistleblowers who want to expose the misdeeds of top officials be it in the public or private sector will now think twice.

This sad episode is reminiscent of two other previous whistleblowers, Ezam Mohamad Noor and Lim Guan Eng, who were sent to prison because they dared to expose the misdeeds of two powerful political personalities some time ago.

How you develop a culture for people to 'blow the whistle' on those who abuse their power if at the end of the day they are sent to jail for their bravery?

'Hear no evil, see no evil and play safe' would be a good habit to have then and let those in power plunder public funds or misuse their office for personal gains as it would be a waste of time for anyone to even think of exposing them and doing the country a good deed. You might end up in the slammer.

Intimidation and threat of jail terms for people who expose the high and mighty's abuse of power will not take us far in combating corruption and abuse of power which is endemic in this country. We cannot depend on government bodies who are entrusted to fight corruption as records show that only 'small fish' are caught in their net while the big sharks are still swimming freely.

Previously, two bloggers were hauled up by the police for being frank in exposing improprieties by some well-connected people. Now, two opposition party member face jail terms if they don't cooperate fully with the ACA.

Only in Bolehland will you find people doing good deeds for the nation being threatened with jail terms while those high officials who abuse their power are as free as a bird to deplete national assets for their own selfish needs. The law and its regulations are only meant for the 'small people' while powerful figures, their families and cohorts are free to do as they please with impunity.

Only in Third World country like Zimbabwe or Burma will you find a similar situation and we seem to heading in the direction of these countries.