Damning Clips Reps Filmed Discussing Bribes Whistleblower Seeks Protection

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EXCLUSIVE | Eight video recordings of assemblypersons purportedly discussing hundreds of thousands in bribes given to them in exchange for supporting a project have surfaced.
This included those holding senior positions in the particular state administration.
It is learnt that there are more recordings of other assemblypersons as well.
Malaysiakini, which sighted the eight videos, is withholding the identities of the politicians until it obtains copies of the recordings and comments from those implicated.
ADSHowever, a source told Malaysiakini that the whistleblower is seeking protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 before proceeding further.
The source said the MACC has been notified of the recordings as well.
Legal protection
It is understood that the whistleblower has appointed lawyer Izwan Azmi from Izwan Mazniza Kamil and Associates to pursue the matter.
Malaysiakini was also shown copies of two letters from the lawyer to MACC dated Oct 24 and Oct 29 seeking a meeting on the request for protection. Both letters bore the “acknowledge receipt” stamp.
“The whistleblower is prepared to spill the beans but he wants to ensure protection for himself before taking the next step,” the source said.
The act, which aims to promote the disclosure of information regarding corruption or other misconduct, provides protection to whistleblowers including from civil action, and criminal or disciplinary consequences.
Malaysiakini was also shown documents related to the project as well as online banking details with regard to the alleged bribes.
Businessperson wanted money back
In the recordings, which is believed to be from early this year, a businessperson, whose face was not visible, could be heard discussing with the assemblypersons about the bribes given to each of them.
It is learnt that the meetings took place after the state government cancelled the licence for the project, prompting the businessperson to ask the assemblypersons to return the money, which in certain cases was just the initial payment for the promised sum.
The businessperson is also heard giving the assemblypersons the luxury of doing so in instalments.
ADSThe sums mentioned were in the hundreds of thousands, and in one instance, a veteran politician was reminded that he was to pocket close to RM3 million if the deal went through.
A few of the assemblypersons confessed to having spent the money while one mentioned that he could return the RM300,000 without instalments on the spot because it is a “small” amount.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiThe businessperson also reminded the assemblypersons as to when, where and how these transactions took place.
In one of the videos, the businessperson, when speaking to an aide of one of the assemblypersons, revealed that hundreds of thousands in cash were passed to his boss at the latter’s office and the aide confirmed it.
The source said when the whistleblower is granted protection, a report would be lodged with MACC and the recordings would be handed to the commission to facilitate investigations.
Malaysiakini is contacting MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki for his comment. - Mkini

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