Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) questions ACA’s threat to prosecute the messengers for the whistleblowers in the case of VK Lingam video clip.
TI-M is concerned that the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) seems to be shifting the focus to the whistleblowers in the recently exposed video clip allegedly involving a senior lawyer and a top judge.
The ACA had given notice to the two messengers who helped the person who recorded the video clip, instructing them to expose the identity of the whistleblower or bear the consequences. The notice stated that failure to comply with the demand would be a breach of Section 29 (c) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997. Under Section 58 of the same Act, offenders would be liable to a fine of no more than RM10,000 or a two-year jail term.
This is an unfortunate step taken by ACA. It appears there is a harsh approach in dealing with allegations of corruption. This may give rise to the ACA being perceived as acting in favor and protective of the key persons and names in the video clip.
TI-M therefore sincerely urges the ACA to withdraw the notice towards the two messengers and focus on the investigation pertaining to the authenticity and offenses purportedly committed in the conversation which was recorded in the video clip.
It can be argued that what the ACA had done is a direct attempt to retaliate against the source of the video clip, hence committing a reprisal towards the whistleblowers.
Thus it will be seen by the public to be more even handed and neutral if the ACA tries to win the hearts and minds and the full cooperation of the public in combating corruption, rather than causing any feelings of threat or intimidation on whistleblowers. Any perceived unfair treatment of whistleblowers will discourage cooperation from the Rakyat and undermine all government efforts at fighting corruption effectively – with the support of the Rakyat.
It is vital that the credibility of the ACA should be enhanced, in the public interest please!
Issued by
Tan Sri (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam
President
Transparency International – Malaysia
