KOTA KINABALU: Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, implicated in bribery following a video recording published in Malaysiakini, claimed it was shared with malicious intent and tarnished his reputation.
He said the allegation that he received commissions or "kickbacks" is a baseless defamation intended to tarnish his reputation in the public's eyes.
Mohd Arsad said he had instructed his legal team to review all possible legal actions against individuals or parties who continue to disseminate false or distorted information about his statement.
"A police report has also been lodged for further action.
"I also urge the media and all parties to report this issue objectively and fairly.
"Allow the legal process to take its course and refrain from drawing conclusions or making judgments that could mislead the public," he said in a statement, adding that the spontaneous conversation in the footage has now been manipulated to portray a negative image of him.
A few days ago, the Softwoods Sabah Bhd chairman, was featured in the clip where he mentioned projects worth RM70 million and criticised "old team" members, including Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun for altering project approvals.
"I would like to clarify that my conversation in the edited recording, which was disseminated with malicious intent, was made in jest and not in a serious context.
"I suspect that the individual who met with me had unclear intentions, and based on that impression, I conversed in a sarcastic and informal manner.
"Therefore, it is unfair to conclude that the conversation constitutes a confession or an unlawful act."
Mohd Arsad also wished to clarify that his accusations against Sabah chief minister, Masidi, as well as state assemblymen for Kawang, Pantai Dalit, Tanjung Batu, and Labuk were untrue and deliberately distorted.
"I merely referred to the challenges in implementing major projects in Sabah, where the approval process involves multiple parties and strict procedural levels.
"I am ready and fully committed to cooperating with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other authorities if necessary."