Albert S Counsel Chides Cops Over Nfa On Report Against Musa S Son In Law

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Lawyer Mahajoth Singh has criticised the police after they classified his client’s report against incumbent Membakut assemblyperson Arifin Arif as no further action (NFA).
Mahajoth, who serves as businessperson Albert Tei’s counsel, described the decision as disappointing.
“We were informed that the case was closed on the basis that it is ‘civil in nature’.
“With respect, this is difficult to reconcile with the fact that the complaint involved a false report, which is a criminal matter and not a civil dispute,” he said in a statement today.
On Feb 6, Tei (above, left) lodged a counter-police report against Arifin after the latter lodged a report claiming he had been slandered over a Malaysiakini report, where Tei had claimed that Arifin had attempted to broker a deal to “settle” the corruption scandal involving several assemblypersons in Sabah.
In the counter report, Tei stated that he was willing to be arrested and charged if investigations proved his allegations false.
Incumbent Membakut assemblyperson Arifin ArifConversely, the businessperson demanded that Arifin, who is the son-in-law of Sabah Governor Musa Aman, be brought to court if it is determined that he filed a false police report.
Upping the ante, Tei had also filed a report with the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) on July 7 over alleged police inaction on his report against Arifin.
NFA sends wrong message
Mahajoth said classifying the matter as NFA does not inspire confidence in the system.
“My client has diligently followed up since early this year and even brought the matter to the IPCC when there was no action by the police.
“This decision risks creating the impression that making a false report is inconsequential, which is a worrying message to the public,” he cautioned.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Sabah mining scandal, implicating more than a dozen of his Gabungan Rakyat Sabah allies, has not been closed.
He told Parliament that the MACC has submitted its investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Anwar said he personally watched the videos exposed by Tei, in which politicians were alleged to have taken bribes in exchange for mineral exploration licences, and believes there are grounds for investigation.
“So far, these are criminal cases with no statute of limitations… so we need to be patient. Their cases have not been erased, not closed,” he assured. - Mkini

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