SHAH ALAM – Efforts to combat corruption must be rooted in legality and ethics, with formal reports to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) serving as the most appropriate mechanism to ensure investigations remain transparent and fair.
This perspective was shared by criminologist Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat during a discussion on the controversy surrounding the public leak of sensitive information.
The issue involved data allegedly protected under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and was linked to claims of a "corruption cartel" within the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
According to Geshina, bypassing legal procedures in favour of social media disclosures risked undermining potential investigations and may infringe upon individual rights while creating unnecessary public confusion.
While she acknowledged that exposing corruption for the public interest was a commendable goal, she maintained that methods disregarding legal guidelines can lead to serious consequences.
"While efforts to expose corruption in the public interest should be supported, methods that disregard legal guidelines can have serious consequences for multiple parties, including individuals who may not be involved or whose guilt has yet to be proven," said the academic from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The criminologist pointed out that the most effective initial step for any individual was to submit a written report to the MACC, thereby allowing the authorities to conduct an enquiry in accordance with established protocols.
Regarding the pace of such actions, she added that "whether an investigation proceeds swiftly or takes time depends on the priority and severity of the case reported."
From a criminological standpoint, Geshina observed that the unauthorised disclosure of confidential data was often influenced by several complex factors, ranging from power-related agendas to economic incentives.
She stated that such actions can ultimately erode trust in national institutions and increase the risk of secondary crimes like fraud or the misuse of personal data.
"However, these actions can have serious social consequences, including eroding public trust in institutions and increasing the risk of secondary crimes such as fraud, intimidation and the misuse of personal data," she said.
Exploring the psychological dimensions of the issue, Geshina described that while some individuals act as whistleblowers out of a genuine sense of moral responsibility, others may be driven by ego or narcissistic desires.
"Emotional pressures such as anger, frustration and dissatisfaction with an organisation can further drive impulsive actions," she explained, noting that the desire to be recognised as a truth-exposer can sometimes outweigh legal caution.
She further cautioned that making disclosures without the safety net of legal protection can result in severe psychological strain, including prolonged anxiety and paranoia.
"By adhering to official channels and legal principles, anti-corruption efforts can be more effective while preserving the integrity of the justice system and safeguarding the rights of all parties involved," she said.
She emphasised the fundamental legal principle that every individual must be presumed innocent until proven guilty through a legitimate court process, urging that the true motives behind such leaks should not be judged broadly without a thorough investigation.