KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today confirmed that it had summoned five Sabah state assemblymen for questioning to assist in investigations into a video allegedly linked to corruption.
In a statement, the commission said the assemblymen were called following a complaint of graft allegations involving a businessman connected to the procurement of mineral projects in the state.
"Initial investigations into the complaint have led to the discovery of information linking several Sabah state assembly members who are suspected of being involved in alleged corruption connected to the businessmen in question.
"So far, five assembly members have been summoned to have their statements recorded," it said adding that investigations are still ongoing.
The commission also called on the public to not speculate about this case and to give space to the authorities to complete the investigation in a transparent and thorough manner.
It has been reported that several Sabah assemblymen were summoned by the MACC today, according to sources.
This follows allegations of corruption stemming from a video clip of their conversation, which was published on a news portal. However, neither the agency nor the individuals involved have officially confirmed or issued a statement regarding the matter.
One audio clip and three video clips, allegedly depicting conversations between the assemblymen and the individual recording the videos, have surfaced on the portal.
A news portal had earlier reported that at least eight video clips featuring conversations involving Sabah assemblymen from a whistleblower were set to be released.
The scandal reportedly implicates Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. In a prior video, former Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd CEO, Jontih Enggihon, accused Hajiji of abuse of power.
Hajiji has since denied the allegations, urging authorities to investigate both the giver and receiver of bribes. He described the claims as an attempt to destabilise his government.