16/07/2025

WEDNESDAY | JULY 16, 2025

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Stronger whistleblower shield, new FOI Act soon

PUTRAJAYA: The government will amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and table a new Freedom of Information (FOI) Act by year end, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday. He said the revised legislation would eliminate existing loopholes that undermine whistleblower safeguards and introduce an independent committee to monitor enforcement. “We are committed to offering stronger, more meaningful protection for those who expose misconduct,” he said at the Malaysia International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025. Anwar said the new FOI Act is designed to

amendments and additions.” In March, Azalina tabled the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 for its first reading in Parliament. According to the bill’s explanatory notes, the proposed changes revise four sections of the current law and introduce a new provision to set up a Whistleblower Protection Committee. The committee will oversee the implementation of the Act, monitor enforcement agencies’ powers and collect data on whistleblower reports. It will consist of a chairman and up to seven members, all appointed by the minister, each serving a term of up to three years. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi and Harith Kamal M’sia committed to eradicating graft: PM PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is eyeing a spot among the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033, as part of a long-term national strategy to boost integrity and curb graft. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the target reflects the government’s firm resolve to eradicate corruption, calling it not only a moral imperative but also a critical driver for inclusive and sustainable economic development. “Corruption remains one of the most damaging threats to national progress, distorting fair competition, deterring investment and diverting funds away from essential sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare,” he said at Malaysia’s International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025. He added that corruption also inflates the cost of doing business, stifles innovation and creates an uneven playing field that disadvantages ethical businesses. Anwar said the government is adopting a whole-of-nation approach in its anti-corruption efforts, guided by the principles of sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust. “Our promise to end corruption is absolute.” He also emphasised that the problem is not confined to the public sector, urging corporate leaders to take responsibility and lead by example. “We commend companies and business leaders who have taken the Corporate Integrity Pledge. “We urge all businesses, especially SMEs, to embrace strong governance practices and help us build a national culture of integrity.” Anwar cited Malaysia’s economic momentum, including the 4.4% GDP growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025, as evidence that clean governance and economic prosperity go hand in hand. “An unwavering commitment to integrity will enhance our competitiveness, foster a dynamic business environment and ensure inclusive growth, especially for youth and marginalised communities.” Also present at the conference was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said who said Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts are firmly anchored in the National Anti Corruption Strategy and aligned with global standards. “These efforts are not just symbolic – they are structured to show Malaysians and the international community that Malaysia is walking the talk when it comes to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. “This conference allows us to explore emerging tools like artificial intelligence in the fight against corruption, strengthen public-private partnerships for corporate integrity and re-centre the role of ethical leadership in rebuilding public trust.” She also highlighted the ongoing reform initiatives under the Legal Affairs Division, including the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 which seeks to restore democratic functions and institutional independence. “These are not small steps. They are bold strides toward a more resilient and transparent Malaysia,” she said. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the groundwork for both laws is complete and they would be tabled at the next parliamentary sitting. “Everything is on track. I’m optimistic we can move it forward this year, all preparations are in place.” Azalina said public input is vital and the government would engage NGOs, political parties and relevant agencies to ensure that the reforms are inclusive and well-rounded. “We’re starting with the Whistleblower Protection Act, since the framework already exists. It now needs to be strengthened with key

give the public genuine access to government decisions, bolstering transparency and institutional accountability. “We will bring this law to Parliament by the end of the year so the public can hold us to account. This a key step in building public trust and promoting informed participation in democracy. “These reforms reflect our holistic and determined approach to building strong, fair and transparent institutions that serve all Malaysians with integrity.” On the conference, Anwar expressed hope that the conference would be a catalyst for meaningful and tangible change in the country’s policies, its institutions and collective culture.

Clarification on judicial independence today

PUTRAJAYA: An announcement will be made today to address concerns over judicial independence and ongoing legal reforms following discussions during a pre-council meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara yesterday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the clarification is necessary to ensure that the public understands the process and current status of judicial appointments. Anwar said the council had likely reached a consensus on the issue and their input would Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Explanation necessary to ensure proper understanding of process, current status of appointments to the judiciary, says Anwar

fully informed. “I think we now have the full picture from the prime minister. Of course, he has updated the Cabinet from time to time but yesterday’s session was to give an overall view to our backbenchers,” Loke said at a media conference after officiating at the Malaysian Maritime Week 2025. He said Anwar had made it clear that a decision would be made soon, pending the consent of the Conference of Rulers. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Monday that Pakatan Harapan MPs were briefed on the judiciary appointments, among other national matters, during a nearly two-hour meeting with Anwar in Putrajaya. The country’s judiciary leadership is undergoing a transition, following the retirement of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat who made history in 2019 as the first woman to hold the post. Her departure has left a vacancy at the top of the Federal Court bench and there are pending appointments to other senior judicial roles. Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is temporarily carrying out the duties of the Chief Justice.

offer much-needed clarity on the legal and institutional matters currently facing the country. “I believe their views will be made public by tomorrow to address the related concerns clearly. “Hopefully, the announcement will put to rest all the negative perceptions surrounding the matter,” he said at the Malaysia International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025. Anwar reiterated that he has never interfered in any court case since taking office. “We must work to strengthen the law and ensure institutions function based on facts and due process. Perceptions should be left to politicians. Governance, however, must be based on integrity and principle.” Earlier, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the names of those selected to fill several key vacancies in the judiciary, including the top post of Chief Justice, would be presented to the Conference of Rulers when it convenes today. He said Anwar had already provided a detailed briefing on the matter to Pakatan Harapan ministers and MPs on Monday, ensuring that coalition backbenchers are

FRESH INSIGHTS ... Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, accompanied by Malayisan High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, visiting a sheep and dairy farm in Rotorua in New Zealand to review practices in the agriculture and livestock industries that can be emulated in Malaysia. – BERNAMAPIC