KOTA KINABALU: Sabah assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari has claimed that his conversation with a whistleblower in a video has been maliciously edited.
"I would like to clarify that my conversation in the video was maliciously edited," the Tempasuk assemblyman said in a statement Saturday (Nov 16).
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"I suspect the individual I met had ulterior motives and with that in mind, I chatted sarcastically and informally.
"Therefore, it is inappropriate to conclude that the conversation constitutes a confession or any act of illegal nature," said Arsad following the release of a secretly recorded video on social media by a businessman in conversation with him over alleged bribes in connection with mining and prospecting licences.
"It was a light-hearted talk, which is now being manipulated to portray me negatively.
"The allegation that I received a commission or offered carrots is a baseless slander meant to damage my reputation in the eyes of the public," said Arsad whose video was uploaded on Thursday (Nov 14).
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Arsad also said that he respected the positions and discretion of state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who were implicated in his conversation with the businessman.
"Allegations that I blamed them or stated that my project was ‘blocked’ are untrue and deliberately distorted including the alleged involvement of other assemblymen (Kawang, Pantai Dalit, Tanjung Batu, and Labuk) in the conversation.
"I was only referring to the challenges in implementing large projects in Sabah, where the approval process involves many parties and a high level of procedure," he added.
Arsad said that he would fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other authorities if required.
"I have also instructed my lawyer to examine all legal actions that can be taken against individuals or parties who are still spreading wrong information or distorting my statements," he added.
He said he has lodged a police report over the matter for police to take further action.
"I urge the media and all parties to be objective and fair in reporting this issue. Give space to the legal process and do not make any judgement or conclusion that may confuse the people," he added.
