Ramkarpal: Azam's statement absurd, videos show prima facie case

Summary

• DAP MP Ramkarpal Singh criticises MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki over his recent remarks concerning the Sabah scandal.

• He says Azam’s statement is unacceptable and gives rise to speculation of selective prosecution.

• Ramkarpal emphasises that no stone must be left unturned concerning the corruption allegation.

DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh asserted that the videos linked to the alleged Sabah corruption scandal establish, at the very least, a prima facie case of corruption.

As a lawyer by training, he emphasised that these videos cannot be disregarded due to a purported lack of information and must be subject to a thorough investigation.

Ramkarpal (above) is the MP for Bukit Gelugor, a seat once held by his late father, the esteemed DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh, renowned for his unwavering stance against corruption.

Describing MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s statement that lack of sufficient information is hindering investigations as “absurd”, Ramkarpal said the commission has vast powers of investigations at its disposal under the MACC Act 2009.

“There can be no doubt that the videos that have surfaced in this saga reveal sufficient information to enable MACC to invoke various measures under the MACC Act, including but not limited to, powers of search and seizure, seizure of movable property, powers to intercept communications, and investigations into the accounts of suspects.

“In light of the above, Azam’s statement that all MACC can do for now is record explanations from both sides is unacceptable,” he added in a statement.

Previously, Azam’s predecessor, Latheefa Koya, also said the videos showed “clear evidence” of corruption and completely satisfied the definition of “gratification” under Section 23 of the MACC Act.

Meanwhile, Ramkarpal said Azam’s statement suggested a “very shallow approach” to the investigations into this case and could lead to speculation of selective prosecution.

“Azam’s statement seems to indicate that the MACC has not, or is unwilling to investigate the matter beyond the videos that have surfaced which would certainly erode public confidence in MACC, particularly given the fact that the scandal is alleged to involve high-ranking government officials.

“No stone should be left unturned in the investigations into the alleged scandal and MACC should refrain from making statements which may give the impression that the matter will be eventually concluded on account of lack of evidence, which is far from the case,” he added.

Yesterday, Azam was reported as stating that the whistleblower, who released the videos to Malaysiakini, is still unwilling to surrender the recordings to MACC.

“What has been published (in Malaysiakini) is ‘terlalu sedikit’ (too little),” he said, adding that the lack of information makes it difficult for MACC to conduct a thorough investigation.

Apart from the videos, MACC is also investigating the whistleblower’s most recent allegation that he was offered a settlement. He also furnished Malaysiakini with more than 50 screenshots of WhatsApp conversations related to this allegation.

Whistleblower saga

Since November, Malaysiakini has released over eight videos and a trove of WhatsApp screenshots connected to the case. The whistleblower also claims to have more videos and evidence in his possession.

The whistleblower, a businessperson, claimed that the videos captured discussions about bribes he offered to several assemblypersons in exchange for mineral exploration licences.

During the discussions, the assemblypersons, including those with senior portfolios, also implicated Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in allegedly distributing licences as “gifts” in exchange for their support during the state’s 2022 political crisis.

Hajiji has dismissed the allegations as an attempt to tarnish his administration, suggesting that the whistleblower is collaborating with parties with vested interests.

MACC has also investigated allegations that the businessperson is part of a cartel attempting to monopolise mining in the state and had engaged in fraudulent activities.

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