The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has allegedly not received any official complaints so far, in regard to claims that there are audio recordings of state assembly members (ADUNs) allegedly discussing bribes worth hundreds of thousands of Ringgit.
According to a report by Buletin TV3, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki shared that a lawyer to an informant had met with MACC officers on 30 October (Wednesday).
“However, during the meeting, the lawyer of the informant only played a 17-second audio recording in which several people were heard discussing money,”
“He did not inform who the assemblypersons involved are and was ready to provide several pieces of evidence if MACC signed an agreement stating that his client would not be placed under investigation,” he said.
However, MACC officials did not agree to sign the agreement because it was not part of the legal procedures that MACC must adhere to.
Additionally, the lawyer informed that they did not trust the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
“They are convinced that the Act is inadequate and does not provide any guarantees that their client will be sufficiently protected. MACC cannot provide any guarantees of written immunity against any individual that they will not be investigated or prosecuted if they provide information and are involved in corrupt practices,” he added.
Azam explained that MACC’s actions must be based on the law so that reports are dealt with fairly and professionally, and any allegations of wrongdoings will be investigated in detail without favouring anyone.
He has since urged the whistleblower to make an official report with MACC to start the protection process under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
“The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 states that individuals who have information must first disclose wrongdoings, as defined by law, before the protection process can begin,” Azam said.
Prior to this, it was reported that there were at least 8 video recordings involving assemblypersons allegedly discussing ‘bribes’ worth hundreds of thousands of Ringgit that were given to them in return for getting a project in a state.
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