Whistleblower: I want to come clean on greasy palms, but I am afraid
RK Anand
Published: Nov 10, 2024 1:41 PM
The whistleblower, who is in possession of alleged incriminating video evidence against several state assemblypersons, revealed that he fears reprisal for trampling on powerful toes.
“This involves the top leaders of a state. These are influential people. There would be severe political and personal repercussions,” he told Malaysiakini.
“This is the reason I am requesting full protection even before lodging a report with MACC,” he added.
According to the whistleblower, MACC, which was made aware of the videos last month, has not been informed which state the politicians are from either.
“The audio clip my lawyer played for the (MACC) officers did not contain these details as well. I am afraid. When it concerns politicians, even walls have ears,” he added.
The whistleblower said he is willing to surrender all the evidence to MACC and even testify in court if he is accorded protection.
He also referred to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s statement that those who choose to open a can of worms have to deal with the “uncertainties” with regard to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
“This was the exact same concern my lawyer expressed to MACC during their meeting, as mentioned by the (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki,” he added.
Whistleblower seeks PM’s intervention
The whistleblower appealed to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has vowed not to compromise on corruption, to intervene in the matter.
“I am sure the prime minister wants this case to be investigated. So I am asking for his assistance,” he added.
When contacted, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Izwan Azmi, confirmed that his client is prepared to come clean and take the stand if required.
“However, my client has certain considerations,” he told Malaysiakini.
Izwan said he would go to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya again to reiterate his client’s concerns in order to secure protection for him.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini 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politicians, including those holding senior positions, to return the money since the licence for the project had been rescinded.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.
Malaysiakini also learnt that there are several more videos involving other assemblypersons as well.
Azam subsequently confirmed that a meeting between his officers and the whistleblower’s lawyer took place on Oct 30.
Agreement ensuring immunity
The chief commissioner urged the whistleblower to lodge a report in order to enable the process of protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.
He also revealed that the whistleblower’s lawyer had wanted his officers to ink an agreement ensuring immunity for his client against legal ramifications but this was declined.
Published: Nov 10, 2024 1:41 PM
The whistleblower, who is in possession of alleged incriminating video evidence against several state assemblypersons, revealed that he fears reprisal for trampling on powerful toes.
“This involves the top leaders of a state. These are influential people. There would be severe political and personal repercussions,” he told Malaysiakini.
“This is the reason I am requesting full protection even before lodging a report with MACC,” he added.
According to the whistleblower, MACC, which was made aware of the videos last month, has not been informed which state the politicians are from either.
“The audio clip my lawyer played for the (MACC) officers did not contain these details as well. I am afraid. When it concerns politicians, even walls have ears,” he added.
The whistleblower said he is willing to surrender all the evidence to MACC and even testify in court if he is accorded protection.
He also referred to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s statement that those who choose to open a can of worms have to deal with the “uncertainties” with regard to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
“This was the exact same concern my lawyer expressed to MACC during their meeting, as mentioned by the (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki,” he added.
Whistleblower seeks PM’s intervention
The whistleblower appealed to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has vowed not to compromise on corruption, to intervene in the matter.
“I am sure the prime minister wants this case to be investigated. So I am asking for his assistance,” he added.
When contacted, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Izwan Azmi, confirmed that his client is prepared to come clean and take the stand if required.
“However, my client has certain considerations,” he told Malaysiakini.
Izwan said he would go to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya again to reiterate his client’s concerns in order to secure protection for him.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini 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.
Malaysiakini also learnt that there are several more videos involving other assemblypersons as well.
Azam subsequently confirmed that a meeting between his officers and the whistleblower’s lawyer took place on Oct 30.
Agreement ensuring immunity
The chief commissioner urged the whistleblower to lodge a report in order to enable the process of protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.
He also revealed that the whistleblower’s lawyer had wanted his officers to ink an agreement ensuring immunity for his client against legal ramifications but this was declined.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki
Azam said the law states that when an individual provides information to the authorities, he or she is protected, but it also mentions that if the individual is found to be involved in the offence, the protection could be revoked.
The Malaysiakini report on the videos also appeared to create alarm on both sides of the divide with politicians and their aides reaching out to the news portal to inquire which state is involved.
Malaysiakini is withholding the identities of the politicians in the videos at the request of the whistleblower.
Azam said the law states that when an individual provides information to the authorities, he or she is protected, but it also mentions that if the individual is found to be involved in the offence, the protection could be revoked.
The Malaysiakini report on the videos also appeared to create alarm on both sides of the divide with politicians and their aides reaching out to the news portal to inquire which state is involved.
Malaysiakini is withholding the identities of the politicians in the videos at the request of the whistleblower.
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