MACC will review the unedited version of secret videos allegedly showing Sabah leaders and assemblymen accepting bribes.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has dismissed claims that the commission planted RM170 million in cash at the homes of four senior officials associated with former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.
When asked whether the investigation into the case was politically motivated, he replied:
“There is no selective investigation here. We are conducting our investigation in a professional manner,” he said.
Azam also said that the commission was using all its manpower to handle high-profile, low-profile, and other cases.
Ismail Sabri is expected to give his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) tomorrow at 10am.
On March 1, the Bera MP was questioned for five hours regarding the hundreds of millions of ringgit spent on promotional and publicity expenditures during his administration from 2021 to 2022.
Azam said that the medical leave for the Bera member of parliament will expire today.
He said this yesterday at a press conference following the signing of Cooperation Notes between MACC and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
As of yesterday morning, MACC has recorded statements from 36 individuals as part of its investigation into corruption and money laundering allegations involving Ismail Sabri.
Meanwhile, MACC will review the so-called “full and unedited version” of secret videos allegedly showing Sabah leaders and assemblymen accepting bribes in exchange for mineral prospecting licences.
Azam said the review aims to verify the credibility and authenticity of the videos as part of their ongoing investigation.
“I stand by my previous statements, as I have said before. Since last year, and as recently as Dec 9, 2024, I have maintained that we require strong and genuine evidence.
“Today, former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya issued a statement claiming that a whistleblower had shared video evidence with her, which she asserts is authentic.
“We have called the relevant lawyer to our office today to submit this video evidence for further investigation. In addition, we will summon the whistleblower tomorrow (today), as mentioned by Latheefa, to provide his statement and assist in the investigation,” he said yesterday.
Azam clarified that the whistleblower had previously been summoned and questioned by the MACC, but his identity had never been disclosed.
“Perhaps now his lawyer has allowed his identity to be revealed. For the record, the whistleblower had already been questioned in another case by both the MACC and the police.
“Again, our role is to investigate, but it is the deputy public prosecutor who determines guilt,” he said.
When asked whether the whistleblower would be granted protection, Azam said: “Whistle-blower protection only applies if the person has not committed or been involved in any crime. At this stage, he is not protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.”
Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between MACC and Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Azam gave his assurance that the investigation would be conducted fairly and professionally, regardless of anyone’s background.
He also clarified that the case remains open and that edited videos cannot be used as evidence.
“We refer such matters to our legal officers at MACC and other qualified legal experts. Our investigations are guided by the law, not public perception,” he said.
Azam added that MACC is also investigating the latest video implicating Sabah State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya, who was allegedly paid RM350,000 in connection with the same scandal. We will investigate the video, but it must be authentic. He has not come to the MACC office.
“We need to first analyse the evidence to determine its validity. If we find it credible, we will proceed with the investigation,” he said.
When asked if Kadzim would be cleared of wrongdoing if he were to return the money, Azam said Sabah authorities were handling the matter and that no conclusions could be drawn at this stage.
Meanwhile, Kadzim has denied claims of his involvement in the said scandal.
“I don’t know about the RM350,000. My response was regarding the RM50,000 I borrowed (from him),” he said when contacted yesterday.
Kadzim declined to comment further, saying that he planned to lodge a police report over the bribery allegation.