Kuala Lumpur: The Bill to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) is anticipated to be tabled in Parliament in March or April this year, as announced by Tan Sri Azam Baki, the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). However, the progression of this amendment is contingent upon the Cabinet’s approval.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, media reports have suggested that the proposed amendment aims to enhance protections for whistleblowers and fortify the legislative framework to combat administrative misconduct and resource leakages. In addition to this, Azam indicated that the Freedom of Information Bill is expected to be finalised in the second quarter of this year, with plans for it to be tabled in Parliament in July. Meanwhile, the Political Funding Bill is projected to be introduced next year.
Azam emphasized the MACC’s dedication to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), underlining the agency’s commitment to implementing robust governance practices within public services before the NACS timeline concludes in 2028. This was articulated during a press conference where Azam shared his insights on the legislative agenda.
Earlier, on December 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared via Facebook that the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance had consented to the Freedom of Information Bill being tabled in Parliament this year. The Bill aims to promote transparency within public services by legally ensuring individuals’ rights to access government-held information.
On October 15, the Prime Minister also mentioned that the policy scope and parameters for the proposed political funding legislation remain under examination by the relevant bi-partisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC). The initiative to regulate political funding was initially explored by the government in 2015 with the establishment of the National Consultative Committee on Political Financing (JKNMPP), though it was not realized. The proposed legal framework was once again submitted to Parliament in November 2019 but did not advance.