BHEUU Hails Amendments To Whistleblower Protection Act

PUTRAJAYA, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was unanimously passed in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, marks a major milestone in the MADANI government's efforts to strengthen integrity, combat corruption and protect whistleblowers acting in the national interest.

The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), in a statement today, said the amendments are in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028.

According to BHEUU, the amendments are expected to boost public confidence in coming forward to report misconduct or abuse without fear of being unprotected by the law.

“The MADANI government remains committed to rejecting all forms of intimidation against whistleblowers and will continue to strengthen protection policies to build a more transparent, accountable and corruption-free Malaysia,” it said in the statement.

BHEUU also extended the government’s appreciation to all Members of Parliament, stakeholders and civil society for their contributions, feedback and support in realising the amendments for the nation’s future.

According to the statement, the amendments introduce several key reforms, including the establishment of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to ensure a more systematic and effective implementation of the Act, and the removal of the proviso in Section 6(1) to prevent protection for acts of corruption, abuse of power or misconduct.

“This principle is crucial to ensure that any misconduct or harmful action occurring in the public or private sector can be exposed, provided the disclosure is made responsibly and in accordance with the stipulated conditions,” it said.

In addition, the amendments provide for extended protection through the Witness Protection Programme under the Witness Protection Act 2009 for individuals threatened after making disclosures, and the inclusion of Section 11(1A), which grants enforcement agencies discretionary powers to maintain protection based on public interest.

“These amendments are vital in allowing for the revocation of protection if a whistleblower is found to have participated in the misconduct in question,” it added.

-- BERNAMA