Whistleblower's lawyer met MACC, played 17-second audio clip: Azam

 

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has confirmed that a whistleblower involved in the case of assemblypersons filmed discussing “bribes” met with senior officers from the commission on Oct 30.

He told Malaysiakini that during the meeting, the lawyer had only played a 17-second audio clip for the officers in which several people were heard having a conversation about money.

Azam urged the whistleblower to file an official complaint with the commission to enable the process of protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.

“The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 stipulates that the individual possessing information must first disclose the improper conduct, as defined by the law before the protection process can be initiated.

“MACC cannot provide any written guarantee of immunity, meaning that the individual will not be investigated or charged, without detailed information about the improper conduct.

“Therefore, it is premature for MACC to offer protection under the law to the individual (before a report is lodged),” he added.

Legal protection can be revoked

Azam stressed that the law states that when the individual provides the information to the authorities, he is protected under the law.

However, he added, the law also states that if the individual was found to be involved in the offence, the protection could be revoked.

“The lawyer indicated that his client was ready to provide us with some evidence, but he wanted MACC to sign an agreement saying that he (the client) won’t be under investigation.

“However, my officers disagreed to sign the agreement, as this is not the procedure of law that MACC is required to follow.

“In addition, the lawyer expressed that he does not trust the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, as he believes it is insufficient and does not provide any assurance that his client will be adequately protected,” he added.

‘Fairly and professionally’

Azam assured that MACC would act according to the law to ensure the case is dealt with “fairly and professionally” and that any alleged wrongdoing would be thoroughly investigated.

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that it had sighted eight videos, each featuring a different assemblyperson, discussing ”bribes” to support a project in their state.

However, a source said while the whistleblower was willing to spill the beans, he wanted protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Malaysiakini was also shown documents related to the project as well as online banking details with regard to the alleged bribes.

In the recordings, which are believed to be from early this year, the businessperson, whose face was not visible, could be heard discussing the terms for the repayment of the alleged bribes since the licence for the project was rescinded.

It is understood that there are several more videos of other assemblypersons as well. - Mkini