Anwar Ibrahim Criticizes the Phenomenon of Corruptors Considered Heroes in Malaysia

Screenshot of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysian Parliament, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday (16/12/2025). (ANTARA/HO-YouTube Parliament of Malaysia)

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim has noted the phenomenon of corruptors who are considered heroes in Malaysia because they take advantage of loopholes in laws related to whistleblower protection to escape from violations.

Anwar Ibrahim made this statement when answering a question about state protection for crime reporters or whistleblowers, which was submitted by members of the State Council in the Parliament of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday, December 16.

"The right to protection for whistleblowers is guaranteed. Protecting, it means not only that no action is taken against him, but also that his safety and that of his family are guarded. But there is a mistake, in our country now, corruptors are considered whistleblowers, considered heroes," said Anwar, quoted by Antara.

Anwar did not mention who the corruptors were who were considered heroes. However, he emphasized that this could happen, because corruptors took advantage of loopholes in the Law on the Protection of Crime Reporting (Law on the Protection of Informants in 2010).

"This is a problem. So for example he stole 1 billion ringgit, then he seems to cooperate with the SPRM (Malaysian KPK) by returning a few ringgit (to be considered a whistleblower), that is not a whistleblower, it is a bandit," said Anwar.

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He said the same thing could also be done by a killer, who offered cooperation with the police, to uncover other perpetrators, by asking for the condition of his release from the indictment.

He said the same thing could also be done by a killer, who offered cooperation with the police, to uncover other perpetrators, by asking for the condition of being released from charges.

"Now there is a culture among politicians, who deify a person, who, for example, turns out to be a person who then openly admits to bribing political leaders," said Anwar.

Therefore, said Anwar, his government through the relevant ministries, will review the 2010 Whistleblower Protection Law.

If there is a gap, the relevant ministry will immediately submit a revision of the relevant law in 2026.

"I believe that this law will be reviewed early next year to determine the fixed rules in distinguishing whistleblowers (in fact) from bandits or corruptors who are protected by this regulation. The relevant minister will immediately convey it," said Anwar.