The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has requested Malaysiakini to “immediately remove” an article and video related to the alleged Sabah corruption scandal.
The video mentioned was that of Tempasuk assemblyperson Arsad Bistari, who complained about an “RM70 million project being blocked” and purportedly blamed the “old team” which consisted of state finance minister Masidi Manjun.
In a letter dated Nov 16, MCMC stated that the article and video could interfere with police investigations into the death threat against the whistleblower and compromise the safety and privacy of the individual.
The video is one of four published by Malaysiakini. MCMC did not mention the other recordings.
Yesterday, Arsad claimed the video was “maliciously edited” and that he had “chatted sarcastically and informally” with the whistleblower, whom he suspected had ulterior motives.
“Therefore, it is inappropriate to conclude that the conversation constitutes a confession or any act of illegal nature,” he added.
On Nov 12, Malaysiakini reported that the whistleblower filed a police report on the death threat he received from an overseas number.
“During the 16-second phone call, a man threatened me in Chinese saying he was from a ‘hired killer group’ and had been instructed to kill me within 24 hours if I did not shut up. He said this was my final warning.
“The caller also sent me photographs of guns and bullets as well as a photo of a man shot lying on the road,” he told Malaysiakini.
The whistleblower also furnished Malaysiakini with a copy of his police report and the images. However, he requested that the location of where he lodged the report should not be mentioned to protect his safety.
The whistleblower has eight videos, which Malaysiakini had sighted, containing discussions between him and several state ministers and assemblypersons, including Deputy Chief Minister Shahelmey Yahya discussing returning a sum of money.
The whistleblower claimed that the money was alleged bribes he had given them to support his licence for a mining exploration project, which he was asking to be returned since the licence had been cancelled.
In the videos published, the portion containing this discussion had been omitted.
The whistleblower is prepared to submit the evidence to MACC in exchange for immunity and protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
Malaysiakini is consulting its lawyer regarding MCMC’s request. The news portal is also contacting Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil for clarification. – Malaysiakini