'Whistleblowers following rules protected regardless of who is involved'

Summary

• Law minister Azalina Othman Said assures that whistleblowers who follow procedures will be accorded protection, regardless of who is being implicated.

• She says the government is committed to upholding the rule of law.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said has assured that whistleblower protection will be provided regardless of who is incriminated.

That is, as long as the whistleblower complied with the Whistleblower Protection Act.

"As it stands, whistleblowers are entitled to protection under the Act, provided they adhere to the procedures outlined in the law by reporting any improper conduct to any enforcement agencies, regardless of who is involved," she said in a social media post today.

She was responding to PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan’s criticism of her remarks yesterday that whistleblowers who go to the media first would not get protection.

The minister had argued that the Whistleblower Protection Act can only be enforced if whistleblowers go to the authorities first.

Arutchelvan, however, said that whistleblowers go to the media because they fear being silenced, such as when allegations involve a prime minister or the MACC chief.

Azalina retorted that the government was committed to upholding the law and preserving the independence of legal institutions.

"We continue to strengthen safeguards to ensure justice prevails and welcome recommendations for improvement based on proven global best practices.

"At the same time, it is essential to uphold the law as it stands," she added.

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