Kota Kinabalu: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki called for patience as they examine new video evidence in the alleged Sabah mining controversy involving several Sabah assemblymen.
“We never said we closed the case. Everyone wants this matter resolved quickly, but we must follow legal procedures,” he said, after witnessing the memorandum of cooperation between City Hall and MACC, Tuesday.
The controversy has gained new momentum after Azam’s predecessor, Latheefa Koya, claimed the whistleblower, known as Albert, had shared authentic video evidence with her.
In response, MACC officials have called in relevant parties to record their statements.
“Today, we summoned the lawyer concerned who came to our office to hand over the video evidence that requires further investigation.
“We will also call Albert, who was mentioned by Latheefa, herself, to record his statement and provide information to assist in this investigation at 2pm at the MACC office in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (March 12),” he said.
Azam assured that Albert would not face arrest during the meeting, saying, “I personally instructed that this investigation be conducted professionally and as fairly as possible.
However, Azam clarified that Albert would not receive whistleblower protection.
“A whistleblower can only be protected if he is not involved in any crime. As for now, we take it that he is not our whistleblower and not protected under the Whistleblower Act 2010,” he said.
On whether the videos were full unedited ones, he said “That is what Latheefa claims and we will investigate.”
He also pointed out that MACC’s role is strictly investigative. “The decision will be made by the public prosecutor. For anybody to be charged or not charged, it is not my decision, it is not our decision as investigators, everybody knows that.”
The new video shows Sabah Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya allegedly expressing willingness to return RM350,000 that he accepted in staggered payments from the whistle blower.
He pointed out the importance of following proper legal procedures in handling evidence.
“Any edited videos or audio will not be admissible in court,” he said, adding that all previous videos released by MalaysiaKini had been edited according to MACC’s forensic department, which has received accreditation from the Department of Standards Malaysia.
“We are fully guided by the law and by our public prosecutor in conducting our investigations.
“We do not conduct investigations outside the scope of the law or based on public perception,” he said, while dispelling accusations against MACC of delay tactics or cover-ups.