MACC fails to search Musa's home, says lawyers 'uncooperative'

Officers from the MACC have been unable to search Sabah BN chairperson Musa Aman's properties as they claim his lawyers refused to cooperate, according to a report.

The Star reports the officers had gone to search two houses in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, but Musa's lawyers refused to accompany them inside.

As both properties were unoccupied at the time, the MACC officers were not able to enter the premises, as this went against their standard operating procedures.

"His (Musa) lawyers gave us the house keys, but did not want to accompany us on the search.

“Our SOP requires officers to be accompanied during searches. Because of this, we did not enter the premises," a source had claimed in the report.

This was reportedly later confirmed by MACC deputy chief commissioner of operations Azam Baki. 

Meanwhile, Musa's lawyer Zahir Shah denied earlier reports that files had been seized in the search.

The MACC is believed to be investigating the alleged buying of state representatives following the results of the recent polls, which saw both BN and the Parti Warisan Sabah-led opposition coalition winning 29 seats each.

However, Musa is claimed to have left the country, with a 'highly-placed' source within MACC telling The Star he went abroad before he could be blacklisted.

Several sources also alleged he is currently in London, reportedly consulting the Queen's counsel in his case against the state.

Musa is also wanted by police over alleged criminal intimidation of state governor Juhar Mahiruddin, in a case linked to his short stint as Sabah chief minister after the recent polls.

He has denied the allegations, however.

Musa was first sworn in as chief minister on May 10 after the general election, with BN initially obtaining enough state seats to form the state government when Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) decided to align itself to BN.

However, Musa's appointment was shortlived, as defections saw the Warisan-led coalition obtain the majority. Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal was then sworn in as the chief minister two days later.

After being denied the chief ministership, he filed suit against Juhar and Shafie seeking a declaration that he be retained as the lawful chief minister. - Mkini