Hajiji vows cooperation, but also urges arrest of alleged 'bribe giver'

Editor’s note: An earlier copy of this article based on a Berita Harian report wrongly cited Hajiji as admitting his name is mentioned in the whistleblower scandal. The article has been amended to reflect Hajiji’s actual remarks after Malaysiakini obtained a recording of what he told the press. The error is regretted.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has vowed to give full cooperation over the videos of state assemblypersons discussing money but wants authorities to arrest and probe the alleged “bribe giver” first.

Speaking to reporters, Hajiji said his administration is aware of the video recordings and ready to cooperate with any party, especially the MACC.

“We are asking the authorities to investigate. We will cooperate, but also investigate those who gave the bribes.

“The bribe giver has a bad intention of getting something from the government.

“When they fail, this (the audio recording) emerges. So, in my opinion, to be fair, arrest them and investigate them first,” he was quoted as saying after attending a function today.

Nothing to hide

When a reporter mentions that Hajiji’s name is also implicated, the chief minister quickly retorts: “Saya tiada apa-apa (Nothing to do with me)”.

He added that the GRS-led government is unaffected and has nothing to hide.

Malaysiakini has reported that it sighted eight videos, each featuring a different assemblyperson, who purportedly received hundreds of thousands of ringgit to support a company’s bid for a project in their state.

The discussions in the video involved a businessperson, whose face was not visible, requesting the politicians, including those holding senior positions, to return the money since the licence for the project had been rescinded.

The businessperson also gave them the option of returning the respective sums in instalments.

However, a source told Malaysiakini that the whistleblower, who is in possession of the video, is seeking protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 before proceeding further.

On Saturday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki urged the whistleblower to lodge a report but stated that the commission cannot furnish a black-and-white guarantee that he would not be investigated or charged without detailed information.

He said the law states that when the individual provides the information to the authorities, he or she is protected under the law, but this could be revoked if it is found that the individual is involved in the offence.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the whistleblower through his lawyer sent a letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim requesting his intervention with regard to his request for protection and legal immunity under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

The whistleblower filed a police report last night, claiming that he received a death threat.

C4 Center furious over lack of support for whistleblower in bribery case

MACC can probe alleged graft with own report: Zaid

Whistleblower: I want to come clean on greasy palms, but I am afraid

Will MACC spare whistleblower to go after reps, asks Zaid

Reps' bribery case - Fahmi urges whistleblower to lodge MACC report