Whistleblower tells CM, reps to sue him for defamation over 'edited' videos

The whistleblower behind the alleged Sabah corruption videos has urged Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and the implicated assemblypersons to sue him for defamation.

“My client believes the courts provide the ideal platform to resolve disputes on whether the ‘edited’ videos contain elements of corruption,” said his lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Shafee explained that since Hajiji (above) and several other assemblypersons have claimed the videos were “edited” and do not accurately reflect what transpired during the meetings, his client is keen to set the record straight.

“He is willing to present the full, unedited recordings in court,” he told Malaysiakini.

“My client will also furnish the courts with other evidence in his possession such as documents, banking details, and screenshots of WhatsApp messages,” the lawyer added.

Shafee said if the case proceeds, the court can review the complete recordings and other evidence to determine if his client defamed the chief minister and members of his administration.

“My client is offering the chief minister and his administration an opportunity to clear their names and restore their reputations in an open court, under full public scrutiny,” he stated.

Shafee also suggested this would allow the “aggrieved parties” to substantiate their claims that the whistleblower acted out of malice or orchestrated a baseless smear campaign.

“This is their chance to prove themselves in a transparent setting,” he added.

Furthermore, Shafee said his client felt that politicians should turn to the courts to avoid perceptions of a cover-up if the matter is left to the MACC.

‘Unfounded allegations’

On Wednesday, Hajiji dismissed the seven videos revealed by the whistleblower as “edited” and described the corruption allegations as unfounded.

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah leader, who has come under fire from Umno and Warisan, reiterated that the videos were aimed at destabilising his administration.

Previously, Hajiji claimed that technological advancements such as artificial intelligence were being used against his government as the state election drew closer.

The whistleblower claimed that the seven videos, recorded using a camera pen, featured a discussion about the bribes he gave the assemblypersons to support his application for a mineral exploration licence.

The businessperson claimed the videos were trimmed to highlight the “important parts which are the (alleged) bribes and the abuse of mining licences.”

“I have the full recordings where the conversations drag on. The recordings exceed more than an hour. As mentioned before, I am willing to submit the original recordings to MACC. I am also willing to surrender the pen as evidence,” he added.

Umno Youth leader tells Hajiji to quit, moots Jeffrey Kitingan as interim CM

Hajiji dismisses 'edited' videos, says graft allegations unfounded

Akmal: Sabah CM should step aside if there's merit in graft allegations

'Corruption' videos: Warisan tells MACC to remand those implicated

Sabah rep claims video edited, appears 'kurang handsome'