MACC probing Kitingan bribe video, Albert asks why it waited so long
The MACC has launched a probe into a video that businessperson Albert Tei released over purported corruption involving Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan.
MACC chief Azam Baki said investigators will summon Tei and Kitingan to facilitate an investigation into the alleged conversation.
The MACC has launched a probe into a video that businessperson Albert Tei released over purported corruption involving Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan.
MACC chief Azam Baki said investigators will summon Tei and Kitingan to facilitate an investigation into the alleged conversation.
"Yes," he said in a text message when asked if the anti-graft agency would call up the two figures.
The claim that Kitingan was on video discussing alleged bribes and had received RM1.78 million from Tei first emerged in June.
However, Malaysiakini was made to understand that the MACC at the time did not contact Tei regarding the allegations nor request the purported video.
90 days later
In a statement responding to Azam, Tei asked why it took the MACC so long to act.
"Ninety days have passed (since it was first exposed in June). What has the MACC done in those 90 days?
"I am very confused and don't understand why the MACC was not aware and did not initiate a probe 90 days ago," he said.
He also chided the MACC for allegedly treating graft allegations against government politicians differently, giving the impression that they are immune from prosecution.
The video captured a meeting at a seafood restaurant in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 13, 2024, which allegedly revolved around the cancellation of mining exploration licences.
In it, Tei detailed alleged payments made to Kitingan, which the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president has since denied, calling the businessperson’s move a “set-up”.
The footage implicating Kitingan and five others is separate from the batch of videos implicating nine Sabah politicians.
Tei had previously furnished all evidence regarding the first nine politicians, including Sabah Finance Minister Masidi Manjun and Deputy Chief Minister III Shahelmey Yahya, to the MACC.
