A ROBUST whistleblowing framework – from confidentiality to a well-organised response system – can be a game-changer in eliminating illicit trade that negatively impacts the Government’s revenue annually.
Such is the opinion of founder and president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)-Malaysian Chapter Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar on a recent report by the Prime Minister’s Department that the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) is currently being re-evaluated and will be tabled to the Cabinet soon.
“It is indeed timely to strengthen Act 711 in order to encourage more whistleblowers to report misconduct that occurs in both public organisations and private institutions,” commented Akhbar who was also the immediate former Transparency International Malaysia president.
“The role of whistleblowers are important, especially within our law enforcement agencies to stamp out corruption, a primary factor to the burgeoning illicit trade like illegal cigarettes that is causing the country to lose RM5 bil in uncollected tax revenue a year.”
According to Akhbar, law enforcement agencies are already well-aware of the kingpins and complex eco-system that fuels the massive illegal cigarette operations but unfortunately, no continuous and effective action has been taken to date.
“Clearly, criminal infiltration, including cartel, within our law enforcement agencies is at an acute level and is can be detrimental towards our socio-economic fabric,” noted Akhbar who holds the professorial chair at HELP University’s Institute of Crime & Criminology.
“Fortunately, there are many law enforcement personnel who are honest, reliable and have high levels of integrity. However, they must be empowered with a more robust Act 711 to encourage, support and protect the whistleblowers when they speak out against corruption and wrong-doings within the ranks.”
Currently, cases are rampant where whistleblowers have experienced threats, job loss, severe retribution or their welfare not taken care of seriously.
“This must be stopped with new provisions in Act 711 that should guarantee confidentiality with multi-layered safeguards and protection for the whistleblower, thus creating a safe environment for whistleblowers to come forward confidently without fear,” asserted Akhbar.
“In addition, whistleblowers must be rewarded appropriately for disclosing improper conducts that leads to successful detection, detrimental action or prosecution as provided under the Section 26 of Act 711.”
According to news reports, regulators and government agencies have received a total of 73,545 reports of wrongdoings, but only 527 complainants have received protection under Act 711 since 2011. – Dec 3, 2021
