Recently, a businessman has reportedly sought whistleblower protection from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The businessman is alleged to have been involved in discussions with eight state assemblymen in Sabah about sums ranging from hundreds of thousands to RM4 million in exchange for securing a state project. Linked to a mining company, he is also reportedly requesting a refund of payments for a project he didn’t receive.
Prime Minister Anwar clarified that whistleblower protection can only be granted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after verifying an individual’s integrity. He stressed that those involved in corruption could not rely on such protection and questioned the businessman’s request before authorities could assess his credibility.
Timeline of Events: Allegations, Recordings, and Reactions
30 October (Wednesday) – Reports indicate that a senior official from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) met with a lawyer who shared a 17-second audio clip. In this recording, multiple individuals were reportedly heard discussing financial matters.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed that, according to the lawyer, the client was willing to provide evidence but requested a formal agreement from MACC, guaranteeing that the client would not face an investigation. Azam explained that MACC cannot offer a written immunity guarantee without first obtaining comprehensive details about the alleged offence. The witness was therefore encouraged to file an official report, which would make them eligible for protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.
11 November (Monday) – Malaysiakini published the 17-second audio recording in which an assemblyman allegedly discussed with the whistleblower the repayment of RM500,000 in alleged bribes, which he received in support of a state project, proposing to return it in installments.
The whistleblower claimed to have sent an official letter to Prime Minister Anwar, requesting protection prior to filing an official report with MACC. A copy of this letter was also provided to Malaysiakini.
In its report, Malaysiakini further disclosed that the whistleblower alleged involvement by the state’s "top leader" (pemimpin tertinggi), accusing this leader of abuse of power in connection with the case.
In response to the report from Malaysiakini, Sindumin state assemblyman Datuk Yusof Yacob suggested that the audio clip in question might have been artificially generated using AI technology.
Yusof, who is also the leader of the Sindumin division within the Gagasan Rakyat Party and serves as the chairman of Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, denied any involvement in the alleged discussions. He claimed that certain individuals, possibly political opponents, could have created the audio clip using AI with the intent to implicate him in the scandal.
Yusof added that he would defer to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for further investigation and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully should any credible evidence surface.
Anwar, Authorities Emphasize Due Process for Whistleblower Protection
13 November (Wednesday) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that he had not received any letter from the businessman seeking whistleblower protection. If he had received such a letter, he explained, he would have promptly forwarded it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for appropriate follow-up.
Anwar stressed that whistleblower protection should not be granted based on incomplete or ambiguous information. He underscored that the office of the Prime Minister is not a channel for granting protective measures and emphasized that requests for protection must be addressed through the proper authorities, specifically agencies like the MACC.
He further highlighted that individuals who come forward with information sincerely and without any personal involvement in corruption should receive protection. “For those who are genuine, who have no part in corrupt practices, our policy is clear—they should be protected,” he affirmed.
Supporting Anwar’s perspective, Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman noted that any individual seeking protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 must report to the relevant agency before receiving consideration for protection. In the current scenario involving Sabah’s assemblymen, Azalina stated that the MACC is the appropriate agency to investigate and assess the case for potential whistleblower protection.
On a positive note, Anwar remains resolute in his commitment to upholding the law, directing the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for proper investigation. This highlights his firm stance on ensuring due process. Unlike past administrations, it seems some may still hold onto the notion that direct orders from the Prime Minister can bypass official procedures, but Anwar’s approach shows that there are no shortcuts under this government.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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