04-Aug-23 12:00

Emellia Shariff, Managing Partner, Speak Up Malaysia

If you were put in a position where calling out injustice at your place of work could potentially end your career, would you take that chance?

With the new Madani economic framework aiming to place Malaysia in the top 25 of the Corruption Perceptions Index, the need for robust whistleblowing policies which help in fostering a more ethical and transparent work culture become more evident. While much has been done to build this up in Malaysia, much is left to be desired.

According to Deloitte's 2023 Asia Pacific Conduct Watch Survey Report, organisations have taken a more passive approach to whistleblowing policies. More can be done to leverage the use of digital reporting channels to protect anonymity and connect the investigations team to the whistleblower, and organisations are often challenged with quantifying and determining their efficacy.

In recent news, Nurhaizah Ejab had her car tires slashed and was sent death threats after she filed a complaint about her coworker. Meanwhile, education advocacy group Tiada.guru is calling for amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to include protection for those who want to seek legal advice or report to entities beyond executives like the media.

Today on Biz Bytes we explore the importance of good whistleblowing policies and how the long term benefits with Emmelia Shariff, Managing Partner of Speak Up Malaysia, a boutique consulting firm focused on creating cost-effective frameworks to improve work experience and foster an ethical work environment.