Government MP Offers to Assist Whistleblower in Alleged Bribery Case
Offering Protection and Evidence
A government MP has offered to assist a witness in an alleged case of assemblymen discussing bribes for a project licence, after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) stated it could not guarantee whistleblower protection without detailed information about the purported improper conduct.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng’s Statement
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng urged the whistleblower to reach out to him before the parliamentary session ends in mid-December. "I am prepared to present the evidence and disclose the names of those involved in Parliament, pressing for the authorities to take swift and decisive action against them," he said in a statement today.
Immunity and Freedom of Speech
Article 63(2) of the Federal Constitution grants MPs freedom of speech and immunity from legal action for any words spoken in the course of parliamentary proceedings. This means that MPs like Lim Lip Eng are protected from legal repercussions when speaking about alleged improper conduct in Parliament.
Background of the Case
Previously, it was reported that eight videos surfaced showing discussions between a businessman and an assemblyman of bribes for a project licence. On Saturday, senior officers of the MACC were reported to have met a lawyer over the alleged case, who played a 17-second audio clip for the officers in which several people were heard having a conversation about money.
MACC’s Position
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki was quoted as saying the lawyer indicated that his client was ready to provide them with some evidence, but wanted an agreement that the client would not come under investigation. However, the officers disagreed as it was not in line with procedures. Azam said MACC cannot provide written guarantee of immunity without detailed information about the alleged improper conduct.
Whistleblower Protection
Azam said the witness had been urged to file an official complaint so that he could be granted protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010. Yesterday, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh urged the anti-graft agency to ensure whistleblower protection is provided to the witness, saying such protection should be given as long as the complaint was not found to be frivolous following investigations. The DAP man noted that whistleblower protection may be revoked under certain circumstances, if a whistleblower took part in the alleged misconduct or if the disclosure was frivolous.
Conclusion
The offer by Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng to assist the whistleblower and present evidence in Parliament is a significant development in this case. As the parliamentary session approaches its end, it is crucial that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those involved in alleged bribery.
FAQs
- What is the alleged bribery case about?
The case involves assemblymen discussing bribes for a project licence. - Who has offered to assist the whistleblower?
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has offered to assist the whistleblower and present evidence in Parliament. - What is the position of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on whistleblower protection?
MACC cannot provide written guarantee of immunity without detailed information about the alleged improper conduct.