'Two seeking witness protection over alleged Malacca CM voice clip'

Summary

• Two witnesses have filed police reports and sought whistleblower protection over an audio recording allegedly implicating Ali Mohamad in a political conspiracy involving Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.

• Ali, a Bersatu leader and former Senate deputy president, denies wrongdoing and has challenged Ab Rauf to respond publicly to the allegations.

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Former Senate deputy president Ali Mohamad confirmed that two witnesses have lodged police reports concerning an audio recording allegedly implicating him in a political conspiracy said to involve the Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Ali’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, said the police reports were lodged on May 4 and 5 at the Batang Tiga police station in Malacca.

“Both witnesses voluntarily lodged police reports and at the same time, applied for protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.

“The witnesses clearly confirmed their applications in both police reports and are seeking protection under the Act.

“In this case, the police must provide security protection,” Rafique (above, centre) said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, where Ali was also present.

Earlier, Ali, who is also the Bersatu deputy information chief, had lodged a police report urging the authorities to investigate the case.

The case allegedly led to his wrongful detention by the police in November 2023, and no charges being filed to date.

Previously, several audio recordings were circulated on social media containing conversations between two individuals, one of whom was referred to as “boss”.

In the first clip, the so-called “boss” and an unidentified individual were heard discussing a “report” that was to be made at the “balai” – believed to refer to a police station.

The second clip contained a discussion between the “boss” and another individual regarding the status of the “report” that had been lodged, as well as promises of rewards upon completion of the assigned task.

On April 15, Ali - a former Tangga Batu Umno division chief - was remanded by the MACC over corruption allegations.

Ab Rauf later denied any involvement in Ali’s arrest, describing the speculation linking him to the case as baseless.

The Malacca Umno chairperson claimed that he knew who was behind the dissemination of several audio clips resembling his voice, and said it was a political ploy aimed at tarnishing his name.

Ab Rauf reportedly said he is unfazed by such tactics and therefore saw no need to take action, such as lodging a police report.

Cops must intervene

Meanwhile, Rafique said his side could not disclose further details about the witnesses, as the matter is now subject to the Whistleblower Protection Act.

“Both witnesses have had their statements partially recorded and may be called again for further investigation.

“We leave it to the discretion of the police to do two important things – to confirm the protection requested, and to carry out a fair and transparent investigation, as this involves issues of corruption, integrity, and abuse of power,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ali reiterated his challenge for Ab Rauf to come forward and explain the matter, in line with the state government’s slogan: “wise like Tuah, brave like Jebat.”

“You (Ab Rauf) came up with the Malacca state motto – where is your wisdom, Mr Rauf? Where is your courage, Mr Rauf?

“Step forward and show your wisdom and courage if you are on the right side,” he asserted.

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