Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has called on the government to provide full protection for whistleblowers to safeguard their well-being and encourage the fight against corruption.

This came after Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar submitted the names of three high-profile individuals allegedly involved in a medical visa and counter-setting syndicate to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

“We take this opportunity to emphasise once again that whistleblower protection is the cornerstone of effective anti-corruption strategies.

“Individuals may be deterred from coming forward with information if the protections provided are inadequate,” TI-M president Muhammad Mohan said in a statement today.

Muhammad (above) also stressed the need for collaboration among law enforcement agencies to uphold transparency, accountability, and justice.

Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar (left) submitting names of ‘big fish’ to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

In addition to the three names, Nantha also submitted the names of seven other conspirators, including two from the MACC - one of whom had passed away.

TI-M praised Malaysiakini for its investigative work, stating: “We commend Malaysiakini’s investigative journalist’s role in exposing alleged corruption and shedding light on individuals who may be abusing their positions of power for illicit gains.”

“The Malaysiakini journalist showed great bravery in becoming a whistleblower and bringing to light such unlawful activities,” Muhammad added.

Malaysiakini previously reported that despite the arrest of over 50 immigration officers linked to the syndicate, the so-called masterminds, identified as Tok Yah or Tok Ayah and DK, remain untouched.

Tok Yah is reportedly a government official holding a significant position in one of the enforcement agencies.

DK is a businessperson said to be supported by another businessperson known as “Adik”.

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