KOTA KINABALU: Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee believes that videos alleging corruption involving several Sabah assemblymen will be a major factor for voters in the next state election.
This is despite the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s forensic analysis finding that the footage had been edited and could not be used in the investigation or as evidence in court.
ALSO READ: Whistleblowers going to the media first may hamper investigations, says PM
Kiandee said that while MACC has deemed the videos unusable for court proceedings because of editing concerns, the public has seen them and will make their own judgments.
“The videos cannot be erased or dismissed. Even if MACC says the videos cannot be used, those who possess the original recordings may still come forward.
“However, the people of Sabah are watching, and I am certain that when they go to vote in the next state election, they will consider this as one of the major factors in choosing their candidates,” he said in a Facebook video on Wednesday (Feb 19).
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki previously stated that forensic analysis found the videos in question to be edited, making them unreliable as legal evidence.
However, he noted that MACC remains open to reviewing any additional credible information.
ALSO READ: MACC asked to speed up graft probe involving Sabah assemblymen
Meanwhile, Sabah DAP has called for the issue to be handled with diligence, urging for a thorough and impartial review by prosecutors before any decisions are made.
Sabah DAP secretary Vivian Wong Shir Yee reiterated the party’s firm stance against corruption, stressing the importance of a fact-based investigation.
“We have consistently urged MACC to finalise the investigation so that it can go through the judiciary for a proper fact-finding process,” she said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 18).
Wong added that with MACC’s findings now with the deputy public prosecutor, the review process must be conducted fairly and in a timely manner.
Sabah DAP also reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, stating that it will continue to assess its position in the state government as the situation develops.
The allegations surfaced late last year when a purported whistleblower leaked videos allegedly showing state assemblymen involved in corruption linked to a mining project.
