Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has publicly responded to allegations of corruption involving assemblymen in his government, affirming the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state administration’s commitment to full transparency and cooperation with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as reported by Harian Metro. This statement came after media news emerged of Sabah assemblymen allegedly discussing bribes in an audio recording linked to a project license.
“We ask the authorities to investigate this case thoroughly. We are prepared to fully cooperate with MACC, but they should also look into those offering bribes," Hajiji said, highlighting the need for a comprehensive investigation that doesn’t focus solely on those in government positions but also targets those attempting to use illicit means to secure government favors. He further remarked, “The Sabah government is running smoothly. This audio clip accusation is just that of an accusation. We have nothing to hide.”
The case took a dramatic turn when the MACC met with a lawyer representing a whistleblower who allegedly has more evidence of bribery involving eight assemblymen and a top state official, according to Malaysiakini as reported by Free Malaysia Today (FMT). During the meeting, the lawyer played a 17-second audio clip in which voices were reportedly heard discussing financial matters tied to government contracts. The whistleblower requested legal immunity in exchange for the evidence but was informed by MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki that immunity could only be granted after an official report was filed and without prior written guarantees.
Azam clarified that for any protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, a formal complaint must be filed with MACC. The whistleblower, however, has since sought assurances directly from Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, expressing concerns about potential risks. Meanwhile, Anwar confirmed he has not received formal protection requests, as he is abroad. He stressed that whistleblowers involved in graft cannot expect immunity. Speaking to Astro Awani from Cairo as reported by FMT, Anwar urged that the MACC be given room to conduct thorough investigations. “Protection is only for those not involved in graft,” he said, adding that any hint of a whistleblower’s involvement must be probed.
This request has drawn the attention of lawmakers, including Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who called on MACC to grant the whistleblower protection, provided there is no direct involvement in the alleged bribery.
Further intensifying the situation, as reported by The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Yusof Yacob, who has also been implicated, responded to the allegations, claiming he is a victim of political schemes. Yusof, also the Chairman of Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, dismissed the accusations as a ploy likely enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, which could manipulate audio or video to produce fake evidence. “Let the videos go viral. If there’s a case, let MACC investigate. In politics, we often don’t know who our enemies are,” Yusof commented, suggesting that rival factions might exploit technology to discredit him in the run-up to Sabah's state election.
The controversy stems from a brief clip that surfaced online, reportedly part of a larger collection of recordings and evidence that the whistleblower claims to possess. MACC Chief Azam confirmed that this clip was presented by the whistleblower’s lawyer in a meeting on Oct. 30, 2024, urging the lawyer to submit all relevant materials formally for a thorough investigation.
Hajiji Noor’s assurance of transparency and his appeal for a thorough investigation signal a proactive approach by the Sabah government to address these allegations.
Nonetheless, with elections around the corner, these revelations and their implications will likely influence the political atmosphere, stirring public debate about corruption, transparency, and technology's role in the political landscape.
By: Kpost
Information Source:
Fmt , MalaysianReserve , HMetro , Fmt
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