Former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya dismissed her successor’s assertion that the videos pertaining to the alleged corruption in Sabah cannot be used as evidence because they had been edited.
She pointed out that in the past, the “Can I advise you something” audio clip involving a conversation between former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor had been used by the MACC as evidence in court despite the video being an edited version.
“The audio was used as evidence in court. It was an edited version but yet was used,” she said during the Malaysiakini podcast “Straight Talk” hosted by former envoy Dennis Ignatius.
On Feb 16, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki doubled down on his claim that there was too little evidence in the case involving alleged corruption by several Sabah assemblypersons, which had also implicated Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
In what appeared to be a rebuttal to critics, Azam said the video evidence available thus far - as published by Malaysiakini - is not usable.
"We had sent the video to MACC's forensics division.
"Their report shows that eight videos in the portal (Malaysiakini) are not usable as it has been edited and can't be used for investigations or in court because they are not credible," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
He also reiterated that the whistleblower had not furnished the MACC with any evidence thus far.
Confession
On that note, Latheefa said from the exposes by the whistleblower, it was clear there were elements of corruption involved.
“The videos are clear and there is even a confession from one admitting to it (being given a bribe).
“At the very least, an investigation must be commenced. How can there be no investigation when someone has just admitted to it? What’s your excuse?” asked the human rights lawyer.
Whether or not the evidence is admissible in court or not, Latheefa stressed the need to use whatever proof is available to initiate a probe.
“But to suggest you cannot use the video because it was edited… Can you imagine… there are many videos out there showing alleged crimes but the footage is edited?
“When you see someone running around with a knife, are you going to say I cannot investigate it because it was edited? You can’t do that.
“Just use what’s available to start an investigation and call up whoever made the video and those who are talking (in the video).
“If what they say contradicts what you saw in the videos, then you can ask for (relevant) documentation,” she added.
It should be noted that on Feb 5, the whistleblower’s counsel Shafee Abdullah revealed that his client still has more than half a dozen videos in his possession and additional screenshots of WhatsApp messages over the alleged corruption. - Mkini
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