Rafizi not protected under Whistleblower Protection Act - Nancy

Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who was detained last month under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972, is not eligible for protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, as he had exposed confidential documents to the media on March 24 and 28.

Rafizi was nabbed on April 5, in connection with the documents involving those from the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) and another set of confidential papers.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri said the MP, who divulged the information to the media during a press conferences on the two days in March, had exposed his identity and was thus, not eligible to receive protection under the Act.

"In this matter, someone who wants to become an informer should meet the requirements under Section 6 of this Act.

"Any disclosure linked to wrongdoings should be made directly to the related enforcement agency," she said in a written reply to a question by Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Lim wanted to know the role of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 in Malaysia, and why Rafizi, who was also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president and secretary-general, was not protected under the act.

On April 5, Rafizi was arrested outside the Parliament building to facilitate investigations into his exposure of the official documents and allegations against the LTAT.

In the meantime, Nancy said under Section III, Clause 7(1) of the OSA, an informant was provided with protection involving his/her identity; protection from civil and crime action; and, protection for those close to the informant.

The act, aimed at fighting corruption and wrongdoing, encourages and facilitates disclosure of crime and wrongdoings, she added.