PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has questioned 15 people, including a whistleblower, in its investigations into a minerals exploration scandal at Sabah.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said they began recording a statement from the whistleblower on Saturday.
"I would like to stress here that somebody had claimed that we never took action, but we did.
"There was a report lodged against the so-called whistleblower, which allegedly claimed he was in cahoots with one officer from Sabah over mineral exploration," he told reporters after attending the International Anti-Corruption Day here today.
He said they were currently investigating two cases – one involving the whistleblower and the other on state assembly members – in a fair and professional manner.
"For the first case involving the so-called whistleblower and a Sabah officer, we have recorded their statements.
"On the state assembly members, we have recorded 15 statements, including from eight state assembly members," he said.
Azam said the individual who claimed to be the whistleblower had until today refused to hand over the evidence he had because he was still demanding immunity.
"I want to say it here again. We cannot give him the protection as long as he (refuses) to divulge what he has.
"This is his decision, he came to our office with his lawyer, he consulted his lawyer, that much I can say for now.
"I can't assure any protection until he gives us all the evidence. Now he gave it to you all (the media), not the MACC. So who are we?" he said.
In the middle of last month, the MACC said it had summoned five Sabah assemblymen for questioning over a video recording that contained discussions of bribery in the awarding of mineral exploration rights in the state.
This was after the video clip was released and published by a local news portal.
In a statement, the commission said the assemblymen were called up following graft allegations involving a businessman connected to the procurement of mineral projects in the state.
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.