KUALA LUMPUR — Amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 will be tabled in Parliament next year to clearly differentiate genuine whistleblowers from criminals or corrupt individuals who have previously sought refuge under the law.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that protection should not be granted indiscriminately to the extent that criminals or corrupt actors are elevated as “heroes” simply because they make disclosures after committing serious offences.
He said the amendments are also necessary to close loopholes that could be exploited, particularly by hardened criminals or corrupt individuals who claim to be cooperating with authorities to evade legal action.
“Whistleblowers must be clearly distinguished from thugs or hardcore corrupt individuals who try to hide behind the name of whistleblower. These are two very different things that must be clearly separated,” he was quoted by Bernama.
Anwar was speaking during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara this morning.
He was responding to a question from Senator Amir Md Ghazali on the government’s measures to strengthen integrity and transparency in law enforcement to curb abuse of power and leakages within enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Anwar said the principle that “no one is above the law” will continue to be upheld without compromise, including against influential or high-ranking individuals.
While acknowledging a tendency among some quarters to defend individuals who admit to corruption on the grounds that they have made disclosures, he emphasised that protection for genuine whistleblowers remains guaranteed, including safeguards for their personal safety and that of their families.
“Protecting whistleblowers does not only mean they are not subjected to action, but also ensuring their safety and the safety of their families so they are not victimised by criminals,” he said.
According to Anwar, the minister in charge is currently examining the matter, and the government is prepared to table the amendments early next year to establish clearer definitions, methods and mechanisms, ensuring whistleblower protection is not abused and continues to function as an important instrument in strengthening national integrity. — 16 December 2025