KOTA KINABALU: Sabah assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (pic) claims that his conversation with a whistleblower was done in jest and a recording of it has been maliciously edited.
The Tempasuk assemblyman said he suspected the individual he had met had ulterior motives “and with that in mind, I chatted sarcastically and informally”.
“Therefore, it is not appropriate to conclude that the conversation constitutes a confession or any act of illegal nature,” he said.
“It was a light-hearted talk, which is now being manipulated to portray me negatively.
“The allegation that I received a commission or offered a carrot is slander designed to damage my reputation,” he said.
Mohd Arsad also said he respected the position of state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who were implicated in his conversation with the businessman in the video.
“Allegations that I blamed them or stated that my project was blocked are untrue and deliberately distorted, including the alleged involvement of other assemblymen in the conversation.
“I was only referring to the challenges in implementing large projects in Sabah, where the approval process involves many parties and procedures,” he added.Mohd Arsad said he is fully committed to cooperating with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other authorities if required.
“I have also instructed my lawyer to examine all legal actions that can be taken against individuals or parties who are spreading wrong information or distorting my statements,” he added.
He also revealed that he had lodged a police report.
“I urge the media and all parties to be objective and fair in reporting this issue. Give space to the legal process and do not make any judgement or conclusion that may confuse the people,” he added.
A Sabah Deputy Chief Minister was among three state assemblymen to give their statements to graft investigators looking into the claims by a businessman’s secret video of corruption linked to the issuance of state mining licences.
Their statements were recorded by MACC investigators here after videos of them in conversation with a whistleblower were uploaded online by a news portal, sources said.
It is understood that Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Mohd Arsad and Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang have given their statements to MACC over the last 48 hours.
When contacted yesterday, Rubin confirmed that he had given his statement but declined to give further details.
Shahelmey and Mohd Arsad did not respond to text messages at press time.
The crux of the case revolves around the state government’s approval of prospecting and mining licences that were withdrawn by the state.
The unidentified businessman, who is seeking whistleblower protection from MACC, has yet to formally lodge a report with MACC in connection with his claims.
He claimed that he had secretly taken the video recordings which could prove elements of corruption.
Following the release of such videos, Hajiji said the accusations were aimed at weakening the state government.
Hajiji maintained that the GRS-Pakatan Harapan state administration was intact and would continue to work as usual.
