Macc To Charge Two Sabah Reps Civilian Over Mining Licence Scandal

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MACC will charge two Sabah assemblypersons and a civilian in court soon, believed to be linked to the mineral mining licence corruption scandal that has rocked the state since an exposé last year.
ADSMACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has confirmed that the agency is in the process of arresting the suspects, Sinar Harian reported.
“I would like to state that there are two suspects from among the assemblypersons and one civilian in the process of being arrested, and we are informing them of their court dates.
“I won’t disclose the exact dates until the process is completed, but I am confident they will be charged in court this month,” he was quoted as saying by the Malay daily.
Azam also revealed that the individuals involved are in the process of having their statements recorded.
MACC chief Azam BakiYesterday, MACC summoned the whistleblower, who exposed the mineral licence graft scandal, for the fourth time. His lawyer this morning informed that the graftbusters will continue questioning his client today.
Azam, when asked about the authenticity of video evidence related to the scandal, clarified that the investigation does not rely solely on video footage.
The clips allegedly implicate Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and several assemblypersons.
On June 6, Azam confirmed that MACC had completed its investigation paper and submitted it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for review.
Alleged bribes for exploration licences
Since November last year, the whistleblower has released a series of video recordings and messages purportedly showing Sabah lawmakers, including the state assembly speaker, involved in corrupt dealings.
The whistleblower claimed he had paid bribes to obtain mineral exploration licences but decided to come forward after the licences were revoked.
In response, Hajiji accused the whistleblower of colluding with parties seeking to destabilise his administration.
The whistleblower, meanwhile, faced counter-allegations of attempting to monopolise the state’s mining sector through fraudulent means. - Mkini

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