ACA chief: Video clip is inadmissible evidence
The controversial VK Lingam video clip in the hands of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) is inadmissible evidence because the footage was edited.
As such, ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan told Utusan Malaysia that the agency cannot continue its investigations into the matter.
The controversial VK Lingam video clip in the hands of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) is inadmissible evidence because the footage was edited.
As such, ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan told Utusan Malaysia that the agency cannot continue its investigations into the matter.
"The veracity of the video clip, which is the only evidence in the case is questionable, because it has been edited (
digangu
). As long as the original video clip is not obtained, ACA cannot continue investigations," said Ahmad Said.
He urged those with the original video clip to come forward and assist the ACA in its investigations.
Ahmad Said also confirmed that the eight-minute video clip presently in ACA possession has been sent to a facility in Hong Kong to determine its authenticity.
ACA began its probe after PKR vice-president R Sivarasa lodged a report urging the agency to probe alleged corrupt practices in the judiciary.
The video clip was publicised by PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 19, claiming that the 2002 footage portrayed lawyer VK Lingam allegedly discussing judicial appointments.
Has Lingam denied?
In an immediate reaction, Sivarasa reiterated that the issue of the video clip's authenticity does not arise unless Lingam has denied the existence of the footage or the events portrayed.
"Is the ACA therefore telling us that this is what Lingam had told them - that the conversation didn't take place?
"Leaving aside whether Lingam has denied it, authenticity can be settled with technical investigation, without worrying about the original," he added.
PKR have refused to divulge the second half of the video because they claimed it would compromise the safety of the video clip's source.
Both Sivarasa and Anwar's aide Sim Tze Tzin are facing a possible two-year jail sentence for refusing to comply with an ACA demand for them to reveal the source.
In another development, ACA officers are expected to interview Anwar for the second time on the issue on Monday.
Sim said he had asked an ACA investigating officer if the agency would be issuing a ultimatum for Anwar to reveal the source.
"However, she just kept quiet," said Sim when contacted.
