Amidst PKR's allegations that the recent sex video featuring its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim was a ploy to buy over MPs, the people behind the video are claiming otherwise.

Turning the tables on Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul, former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik - who had admitted to be one of those involved in exposing the video - said that he had instead asked for money.

NONE The mysterious 'Datuk T' who had shown the video to journalists on Tuesday was earlier revealed to be a 'trio' of Rahim, businessman Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, and Perkasa treasurer-general and ex-senator Shuib Lazim.

Rahim ( right ) said that Johari - a family friend of Shuib's - was shown the video on Monday.

"Johari later then called Shuib and agreed that the person in the video was Anwar. He then demanded for RM100,000 as 'duit pelincir' (grease money) and then an additional RM1 million for each Pakatan MP he would bring to watch the video," said Rahim, adding that Johari had said he wanted to bring "six or seven MPs".

"When I heard that, I said 'stop'. This is not about money. I flat out deny that I had offered him money. I just want the truth to be out," said Rahim.

Johari, who had called a press conference earlier today, had revealed the identity of those involved in the sex tape scandal.

He also claimed that he was offered money to defect and was asked to meet Prime Minister Najib Razak.

'I will cooperate with the police'

The trio, who had earlier said in a statement that they would not be handing the video over to the police, are now singing a different tune.

Shazryl - a former honorary Thai consul - said that since Anwar has lodged a police report, he will cooperate fully with them.

When asked more details about the video, he refused to divulge any information, saying that he will tell only the police.

But when asked why he did not go to the police in the first place, he said that it would only give rise to allegations of conspiracy.

"Every time the government is involved, there will be talk of conspiracy... So it's better that I let the press decide. They are my line of defence, so that you all can see the truth," he said at a press conference together with Rahim in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

When asked why he did not approach Anwar directly, Shazryl said that he did not have the tape until much later. "If I have it, someone else also has it," he said.

The timestamp on the video recording had shown the purported sex act to be committed on Feb 21.

NONE Shazryl, who had earlier claimed to be at the same location with Anwar during the alleged incident, also vehemently denied that he intended to blackmail the opposition leader.

"If it was blackmail, I would've gone straight to Anwar ( left ). I would've wanted to distribute it.

"It's not about the money. I am only trying to tell the truth. I am only the whistleblower. It's about time that people see him for who he is," he said.

Adding that he is not even an Umno member, he merely said "I am not a politician", when asked about the timing of the exposé close to the Sarawak elections.

Police protection

The businessman also denied any police involvement in the revelation of the video, saying that he did not get any police protection during the 'screening' on Monday.

"But I am now worried for my safety. I hope that the police can offer me some protection," he said.

In the screening in Carcosa Seri Negara hotel, he cancelled the function abruptly before the foreign press had their turn to watch the video.

He explained today that he was shocked to see so many reporters, initially thinking that only "four or five" would show up.

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