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Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Sabah scandal: Whistleblower to expose texts, file MACC report

 


The whistleblower at the heart of Sabah's corruption scandal has unveiled new allegations implicating Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and several state assemblypersons.

The whistleblower’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, revealed that he had advised his client to file a report with the MACC to “break the stalemate”.

“The MACC appears constrained, citing the lack of an official report and the fact that my client has not yet submitted the evidence,” Shafee told Malaysiakini.

The senior lawyer noted that despite Malaysiakini publishing incriminating videos and former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya asserting that the recordings provide “clear evidence of corruption”, no concrete action has been taken.

“My client will lodge a report and submit all the evidence in his possession to ensure action is taken. This includes videos, screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, documents, and other evidence to substantiate his allegations,” he added.

‘Changing the narrative’

Addressing the alleged WhatsApp conversations, Shafee emphasised that his client sought to challenge the current narrative suggesting the discussions in the videos were about political donations.

“These screenshots represent only a portion of the evidence in his possession, but they will illuminate the true nature of the transactions,” he explained.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that the chief minister dismissed the corruption allegations, suggesting they were related to political donations.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor

“It would be a lie to say that political parties and politicians do not accept political funding from donors,” Hajiji said.

“How can a political party function without financial contributions? If we were to rely solely on the salaries of elected representatives, there wouldn’t even be enough to eat,” he added.

In response, Shafee questioned whether the chief minister could provide evidence to support his claims.

“This is a historic case and a zero-sum game against corruption. My client is ready to lodge a report. The question is, will the MACC provide him with protection to serve as a witness against corruption in the government? Or will political considerations take precedence?”

“The answer lies with the prime minister and the MACC chief commissioner,” he concluded.

MACC reiterates cannot grant protection

On Dec 9, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki stated that the commission had recorded statements from 15 individuals, including the whistleblower.

He noted that the whistleblower has so far refused to provide the evidence, citing his ongoing request for protection or immunity from the MACC.

“I emphasise once again, we cannot grant him any protection as long as he withholds the evidence,” Azam added.

The whistleblower, who admitted to offering bribes to several assemblypersons in exchange for mining exploration licenses, had released several videos secretly recorded using a pen camera.

When Hajiji and the implicated assemblypersons dismissed the videos as edited or manipulated, the whistleblower went further, challenging them to sue him for defamation. - Mkini

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