Kota Kinabalu: Neither Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor nor the state government interfered in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation into alleged corruption involving Sabah assemblymen. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that his team had recorded Hajiji’s statement twice during the investigation, with the Chief Minister fully cooperating to assist with the probe.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all necessary statements have been taken, including from the assemblymen, except for one individual who appeared in a video related to the case and from whom clarification is still needed. This was mentioned by Azam during a press conference after officiating the Cakna Rasuah programme with Sabah Media, which was also attended by Sabah Journalists Association President Datuk Muguntan Vanar.

A local news portal had earlier published several video recordings in November last year showing Sabah assemblymen discussing ‘payments’ in exchange for awards related to mineral exploration rights in the state. Azam mentioned that he had instructed his officers to summon the individual involved to provide a statement and submit the required documents for the case. Eight assemblymen linked to the case have been called in again for further explanations, with the videos being played in front of them for clarification.

Azam emphasized that premature conclusions should not be drawn about the case, as the MACC’s forensic lab is still analyzing 10 new videos related to the investigation. The analysis of previous videos showed signs of enhancements and edits, making them inadmissible as evidence. The new videos are under review to check for any edits, breaks in frames, and audio scrutiny. The investigation will continue while awaiting the outcome of this analysis.