Why cherry-pick whom to prosecute, whistleblower's lawyer asks Azam

 

The lawyer for the whistleblower who exposed the corruption scandal implicating several Sabah assemblypersons criticised MACC for saying it would charge “one or two individuals” soon.

“While we welcome the news, the selective nature of this action, against only one or two individuals, despite the existence of clear evidence against at least eight other individuals, raises serious concerns regarding MACC’s approach.

“MACC must not be seen to cherry-pick which cases to pursue.

“The principle of equality before the law requires every individual, regardless of rank, political standing, or office, to be investigated and charged if credible evidence exists.

“Anything less is a deviation from the rule of law,” Mahajoth Singh said in a statement today.

Yesterday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said at least two individuals will be charged soon in connection with the ongoing Sabah corruption scandal.

“I will announce in a very short time the charging of the individuals in the case,” Azam added.

He also hinted at the possibility of further prosecutions against other individuals.

Extensive evidence

Mahajoth reminded Azam that the whistleblower, known only as Albert, had submitted extensive and unedited video recordings, with over 300 pages of corroborating evidence, call logs, WhatsApp message records, and other digital documentation to the MACC to support his allegations.

Albert with his lawyers Mahajoth Singh (right) and Latheefa Koya

The evidence, he added, indicated a wider circle of individuals in acts of corruption.

“Albert voluntarily stepped forward, at great personal risk, to support national anti-corruption efforts.

“If individuals against whom there is clear evidence are shielded from accountability, it sends a deeply discouraging message to future whistleblowers - that cooperation invites risk, while impunity remains protected,” Mahajoth added.

The counsel then urged the authorities to provide Albert with full protection immediately and clarify to the public the status and timeline of investigations against all those implicated.

“And the authorities must demonstrate through action that no one in Malaysia is above the law,” he said. - Mkini