PUTRAJAYA: Investigations into alleged bribery involving mineral prospecting licences in Sabah have been completed with files already handed over to the deputy public prosecutor, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner clarified that two investigations were opened into the matter - one being on the whistleblower and a former Sabah state government senior official, and the second being on the eight Sabah assemblymen allegedly involved.
Azam added that the investigation involving the whistleblower and former senior official was also investigated by the Sabah police, which the latter also presenting their files to the deputy public prosecutor.
“It is now up to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to coordinate this and make a decision on whether charges will be pressed,” he told a press conference at the MACC office here on Tuesday (Jan 21).
On the investigation involving the Sabah assemblymen, Azam said it was based on recent videos released by a news portal.
“The actual recordings have also not been furnished to us by the whistleblower,” he said.
Azam said statements have been taken from the assemblymen and other witnesses, including the whistleblower.
“However, the deputy public prosecutor ordered the investigation officer to complete several of the statements before the end of January,” he said, adding that further updates will be given by next month.
He also urged the public not to speculate on the matter and leave it to the authorities.
This comes after a businessman claimed to possess eight secret video recordings of alleged bribery involving senior Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders.
The allegations were supported by a pre-recorded video interview released online.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and designed to destabilise the government.