Businessperson Albert Tei’s lawyer has taken aim at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s position that the videos linked to the Sabah mining scandal do not constitute sufficient evidence.
Mahajoth Singh said the prime minister’s remarks were “factually incorrect, legally unsound, and deeply improper for someone holding the highest executive office”.
He stressed that Anwar’s framing was a misrepresentation of what Tei had actually presented to investigators.
“Neither my client nor our legal team has ever claimed that videos alone constitute a complete corruption case.
“What the prime minister deliberately ignores is that more than 300 pages of documentary evidence, including alleged bank transfers, money trails, invoices, correspondence, and supporting records, have already been submitted to MACC.
“Repeating ‘videos are not enough’ while refusing to acknowledge documentary evidence is misleading and intellectually dishonest,” he added.
Mahajoth (above, left) then questioned why the prime minister was commenting at all on an active corruption probe.
The lawyer pointed out that as the head of government, Anwar should not be pre-judging evidence, downplaying allegations, or shaping a narrative that could be seen as shielding political allies.
“What is equally troubling is the prime minister’s own admission that he ‘immediately contacted (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah leader) Hajiji Noor and MACC to obtain clarification’ regarding the Farhash (Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak) allegation.
“This is, by his own account, direct executive involvement in matters that should be left entirely to the proper authorities empowered to act independently of political influence,” Mahajoth added.
On Sept 9, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said Farhash - Anwar’s former aide - had been cleared of any links to the mining scandal.
Hypocritical move
Mahajoth further argued that it was hypocritical for the prime minister to accuse others of politicising corruption while issuing statements that, he said, were themselves political in nature.
“The prime minister frequently cautions others against politicising corruption, yet his entire statement is overtly political, aimed not at facts but at insulating political partners in Sabah.
“To condemn ‘political narratives’ while pushing one is not leadership. It is hypocrisy. By selectively declaring what constitutes ‘sufficient evidence’, the prime minister has ventured into territory he has no business entering.
“It is legally inappropriate for the head of the executive to make evaluative comments on evidence, especially when several individuals named in the scandal remain active (election) candidates under his coalition’s political partner,” he added.
Mahajoth also dismissed insinuations that Tei was attempting to manipulate public perception.
“Unlike others, my client has cooperated fully, surrendered documents, given statements, and faces charges openly in court. None of the GRS leaders implicated has demonstrated comparable transparency.
“The prime minister’s attempt to reframe this issue as ‘perception versus reality’ is yet another distraction. The reality is simple:- (a) There are videos; (b) There are documents; (c) There are money trails; (d) MACC has opened investigations; (e) Two individuals have already been charged; and (f) Several others remain under scrutiny.
“No amount of political commentary will change these facts. Why is the prime minister defending those named instead of demanding they clear their names? Why is he pre-empting an investigation instead of insisting on full transparency? Why the urgency to control the narrative if there is nothing to hide?” he added.
Since November last year, Tei - who has also been charged with corruption - has released videos, WhatsApp screenshots, and other documents to support his allegations against more than a dozen GRS leaders whom he claims accepted bribes in exchange for mineral exploration licences. - Mkini
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