KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will review the claimed “full and unedited version” of secret videos allegedly showing Sabah leaders and assemblymen accepting bribes in exchange for mineral prospecting licences.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the review aims to verify the credibility and authenticity of the videos as part of the ongoing investigation.
“I stand by my previous statements, as I have said before. Since last year, and as recently as Dec 9, 2024, I have maintained that we require strong and genuine evidence.
“Today (March 11), former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya issued a statement claiming that a whistleblower had shared video evidence with her, which she asserts is authentic.
Albert is believed to be an individual connected with another investigation initiated by Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd.
Azam clarified that Albert had previously been summoned and questioned by the MACC, but his identity had never been disclosed.
“Perhaps now his lawyer has allowed his identity to be revealed. For the record, Albert had already been questioned in another case by both the MACC and the police. Again, our role is to investigate,” he said.
When asked whether Albert would be granted whistleblower protection, Azam said: “At this stage, he is not protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.”
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between MACC and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Azam assured the investigation will be conducted fairly and professionally, regardless of anyone’s background.
“We will proceed in accordance with the law,” he said.
He also clarified that the case remains open and that edited videos cannot be used as evidence.
“We refer such matters to our legal officers at MACC and other qualified legal experts. Our investigations are guided by the law, not public perception.
“In addition, past court decisions, including those from the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court, guide our investigations. As for the videos previously released by Malaysiakini, all eight were edited. The courts and our forensic department, accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia, have confirmed this. Edited videos cannot be considered valid evidence.
“If anyone has additional legal guidance, we are open to reviewing it. However, our investigations adhere to legal principles, standard practices, and SOPs (standard operating procedures). Any new video evidence must be verified for authenticity before being considered. Courts do not accept edited or altered recordings as admissible evidence,” he said.
Azam added that MACC is also investigating the latest video implicating Sabah State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, who was allegedly paid RM350,000 in connection with the same scandal.
“We will investigate the video, but it must be authentic. He has not come to the MACC office. We need to first analyse the evidence to determine its validity. If we find it credible, we will proceed with the investigation,” he said.
When asked if Kadzim would be cleared of wrongdoing if he returned the money, Azam said Sabah authorities were handling the matter and that no conclusions could be drawn at this stage.
