EAIC: Whistleblower disclosures should strengthen integrity, not be feared

KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) said enforcement agencies should not regard whistleblower disclosures, including those made through unofficial channels such as Telegram, as threats or adversaries.
Instead, EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said such revelations should be regarded as an opportunity for the respective agencies to strengthen their integrity and public confidence.
Citing the Telegram channel 'Edisi Siasat' which exposes alleged misconduct within enforcement bodies, Ismail said the commission takes all complaints of power abuse seriously.
Ismail said that the EAIC would act upon complaints, regardless of whether they were submitted via official or unofficial channels.
"Although platforms like 'Edisi Siasat' on Telegram are not categorised as official complaint channels, the information shared can trigger preliminary investigations if it contains credible and reasonable elements.
"In certain situations, such information can serve as a catalyst for initial investigative action.
"Under the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700], the EAIC is empowered to initiate investigations on its own initiative if it is satisfied that the matter holds significant public interest or is necessary in the public interest," he told Berita Harian today.
Commenting on the response of enforcement agencies towards revelations made by such Telegram channels, Ismail said that investigating such claims, whether true or false, reflects a commitment to transparency and institutional reform.
"If the allegations are baseless, investigations can help clear the agency's name," he said.
Ismail, however, said if misconduct is proven, appropriate action can be taken against those involved.
"This approach aligns with the principles of accountability and good governance," he added.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Express

12 hours ago

• Daily Express

People's welfare remains Sabah government's priority: CM

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: Musa, Hajiji and others during the cake-cutting ceremony. – Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government remains focused on prioritising the welfare of the people. He stressed that core infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, and roads will continue to be upgraded, especially in rural and interior areas. Speaking at the official State Banquet for the 74th official birthday of Head of State Tun Musa Aman, Hajiji said public service delivery must be efficient, transparent, and people-oriented. He reminded civil servants to carry out their duties with sincerity, discipline, and integrity at all times. Hajiji said the public's trust in the government must be honoured through responsible and effective governance. He reaffirmed the State's commitment to strengthening integrity and good governance in collaboration with enforcement agencies, including the police, National Audit Department, and MACC. Advertisement Hajiji added that accountability and integrity are essential pillars in safeguarding Sabah's sovereignty, prosperity, and stability. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Daily Express

14 hours ago

• Daily Express

Students deny payment claims at anti-corruption rally

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey, Crystal Hermenegildus Text Size: Noridi (left) and Fadhil KOTA KINABALU: A brief commotion occurred during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally on Saturday after Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students were accused of being paid to participate. Led by Suara Mahasiswa Sabah's Fadhil Kasim, hundreds marched through the city to demand action on corruption and long-standing water issues affecting their campus. Protesters urged UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and called for a fully independent MACC with bipartisan parliamentary oversight. The rally remained peaceful despite the rain, with participants moving from Suria Sabah to Lintasan Deasoka. The two-day event included forums and performances, with Fadhil pledging continued student activism for Sabah's future. Separately, the Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (Gammas) reiterated its support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership. Advertisement Gammas organiser Noridi @ Noraidi Maya praised Hajiji's student aid programmes and his role in blocking an alleged 'cartel' from dominating Sabah's mineral sector. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Daily Express

16 hours ago

• Daily Express

Autistic child missing near river in Kinabatangan

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: The site where the boy was last seen. – Pic by JBPM KINABATANGAN: A six-year-old autistic boy has been reported missing after he was last seen playing near a riverbank in Batu Putih, Menggaris, on Saturday afternoon. Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Chief Hairi Utoh said an emergency call was received at 5.14pm, prompting immediate deployment of personnel to the scene. The child, identified as Mohammad Aqeef Al Tarmiezy Arman, was last seen around 2pm before villagers began searching until 6pm without success. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the fire department or nearest police station immediately. Search and rescue efforts remain ongoing, with further updates expected. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia