malaysia
Government to review Whistleblower Protection Act, says minister
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low says the government will look into the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to ensure that the process of providing information is through a trusted channel. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 10, 2016.The government plans to review the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to make it more effective in combating corruption.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan said the ministry would relook the legislation to ensure that whistleblowers were adequately protected.
It included looking at the process of providing information, one of them being to provide a trusted channel for witnesses to give information, as well as the administrative areas, he told reporters after opening the 5th Annual National Procurement and Integrity Forum for the Public and Private Sectors 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, today.
"I don't think the Act is adequate. It needs some changes and I am looking at it," he said.
The WPA is aimed at encouraging and facilitating witnesses to expose corrupt practices and other misconduct without fear. It also protects people making disclosures from detrimental action.
Low said he would also push for the Corporate Liability Bill to be tabled in Parliament this year.
Among the main elements of the bill, which is aimed at promoting integrity and good governance in the corporate sector, is to hold a company liable for any corrupt practices committed by its employees.
"It (the draft of the bill) is now in the final stage. I hope to push it to Parliament this year," he said.
On the Corruption Perception Index 2015, which saw Malaysia's ranking drop to 54 from 50 in 2014, Low said the index should not be seen as the main factor to judge the country's situation.
"Generally, we are moving towards better governance. It is a long journey. Perception will change when the changes we make are felt by the citizens.
"War is not won by only one battle, and we hope to improve the ranking next year and to (get to) 17th place by 2020," he said. – Bernama, March 10, 2016.
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