COMMENT | Effective changes needed to enhance whistleblower protection law

COMMENT | Civil societies call on the government and MPs to ensure the upcoming amendments to the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act 2010 (WPA 2010) address critical gaps and contradictions that undermine its effectiveness.

1. Legal contradiction must end. Section 203A of the Penal Code and the Official Secrets Act 1972 contradict the current Section 6 of WPA 2010, creating confusion and fear among whistleblowers. While the Penal Code criminalises the disclosure of information obtained in the course of one’s duties, the WPA 2010 supposedly allows whistleblowers to report improper conduct.