Keep it clean: Azam (front row, fourth from left), alongside other attendees, gesturing in rejection of graft at the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration at Auditorium Angkasa in Petaling Jaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Two separate investigations – into a whistleblower and those implicated – are being conducted in connection with alleged corruption involving Sabah assemblymen, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said statements had been recorded from the whistleblower, a senior officer and eight assemblymen.
“Some have claimed we never took action, but we have actually done so,” he told reporters after closing the national-level International Anti Corruption Day celebration yesterday.
Azam said 15 statements had been recorded from the eight Sabah assemblymen.
On Nov 16, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari and Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang provided statements to the MACC.
The trio were questioned following the release of videos by a news portal, in which they were seen conversing with the whistleblower.
On Nov 12, the Sabah government lodged a report with the MACC against former Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon, seeking to probe Jontih’s links to a businessman involved in the issuance of mining licences, which were later withdrawn by the state.
Azam said MACC officers began recording the whistleblower’s statement on Saturday, but added that the whistleblower is still refusing to hand over evidence.
“The individual is still seeking protection and immunity. I want to say it again, we cannot give him protection as long as he has not revealed what he has,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said a high-ranking committee member of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is among those assisting a corruption probe.
So far, six individuals were called in to assist the probe.
“I want to make it clear that the probe involves just one individual and not BAM as an entity or organisation,” said Azam.
Last Tuesday, BAM confirmed that it was being investigated by the MACC over allegations that a high-ranking BAM official received additional allowances without board approval.
