Sabah Scandal Lawyer Presses Azam On Elusive Forensic Report

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After more than two months since the unedited videos were handed over to the MACC, the whistleblower’s lawyer has issued a formal letter to its chief commissioner Azam Baki, demanding answers on the status of the probe.
“Two months and 10 days have passed since the said video recordings were submitted to the MACC, yet our client has not received any official feedback regarding the progress of the investigation, including the outcome of the forensic report, as repeatedly promised,” read the letter signed by lawyer Mahajoth Singh.
On April 29, Azam (above) said the commission required another week to complete the forensic analysis of the videos, which were submitted on March 11.
“Everyone is asking why it’s taking so long. But we have to understand, this involves 10 videos, not just one. So we need to examine them very carefully,” he explained.
The whistleblower’s legal team including lawyer Mahajoth Singh (left)In his letter dated today, Mahajoth reminded Azam that the law clearly stipulates that it is the duty and responsibility of the investigating officer to provide updates on the investigation to the complainant from time to time.
“Unfortunately, in this case, our client has not been updated on any developments in the matter, especially given that our client is a whistleblower.
“Therefore, we request Azam to provide the latest status of the investigation into this case, as well as the outcome of the forensic report regarding the said video recordings,” he added in the letter from Abd Halim Ushah & Associates.
The letter also chronicled Azam’s previous remarks regarding the matter, which read as follows:
April 10: Azam informed that the MACC was still awaiting the forensic report regarding the said video recordings submitted on March 11.
April 22: Azam attended the 11th Certified Integrity Officers Convocation 2025 at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, and during a press conference, stated that the forensic report regarding the said video recordings was expected to be completed soon.
April 29: Azam attended the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre and, during a press conference, announced that the forensic report regarding the said video recordings was expected to be ready within a week. Azam also emphasised personal oversight of the case to prevent any party from questioning the delay in the forensic report.
The letter also highlighted that on April 29, the whistleblower submitted additional evidence comprising 300 pages, including, among others, witnesses’ names, WhatsApp conversations, call logs, and documents.
MACC HQ in PutrajayaAn iPhone 11 containing original call records was handed to the investigating officer as well, and a further statement from the whistleblower was also recorded on the same day.
Malaysiakini learned that the letter had been sent to Azam’s office at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
Mineral exploration licences
Since November, a 36-year-old businessperson-turned-whistleblower has exposed a cache of video recordings and WhatsApp messages allegedly implicating multiple Sabah assemblypersons - including the state legislative assembly speaker - in a sprawling corruption scandal.
According to the whistleblower, he had paid bribes to secure mineral exploration licences, but decided to come forward after those licences were abruptly revoked.
In response, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor accused the whistleblower of conspiring with parties with vested interests to destabilise his administration.
The whistleblower faces counter-allegations of attempting to monopolise the state’s mining sector through fraudulent means. - Mkini

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