Unedited videos handed to MACC.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has no more excuses to delay its investigation into the Sabah corruption scandal, as it is set to receive the full unedited videos today, said former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.
His statement follows former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya’s announcement that Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) will be handing over all footage obtained from the whistleblower to the agency.
“Latheefa has given the MACC no room to manoeuvre. The whistleblower has delivered the unedited videos, which means MACC must now get cracking on the corruption scandal in Sabah,” Zaid wrote on X.
Earlier, Latheefa stated that LFL executive director Zaid Malek would deliver a USB drive and the original recording device to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at around 2pm. The videos reportedly implicate Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, eight assemblypersons, and the Sabah assembly speaker.
The whistleblower, previously identified only as a businessperson, was referred to by his first name—Albert—for the first time by Latheefa this morning.
Commenting further, Zaid Ibrahim emphasised that Latheefa’s pursuit of the case was driven by principle rather than political motives.
“Latheefa is not a politician but a former chief commissioner of MACC. Her relentless efforts come from conviction, not partisan politics,” he said.
He also urged MACC chief Azam Baki to issue a public statement confirming that a full investigation would proceed without interference.
“Any other option will compromise MACC beyond repair,” he warned.
Whistleblower provides key evidence
The Sabah corruption scandal first surfaced in November when Malaysiakini published more than eight videos and several WhatsApp screenshots. The whistleblower claimed the footage captured discussions about bribes offered to assemblypersons in exchange for mineral exploration licences.
Some of those involved, including senior state officials, allegedly mentioned Hajiji in connection with the distribution of licences as “gifts” in return for political support during Sabah’s 2022 political crisis.
Hajiji has denied the allegations, dismissing them as an attempt to tarnish his administration and accusing the whistleblower of working with parties with vested interests.
MACC’s previous stand
In February, two months after the videos first surfaced, Azam Baki stated that the biggest challenge in investigating the claims was a lack of sufficient information. At the time, he noted that the whistleblower had yet to share the videos and that the footage published by Malaysiakini was “too little” for a full probe.
With the full unedited videos now in MACC’s possession, pressure is mounting on the agency to take decisive action.