Fahmi: Communications Ministry Did Not Order Removal of Video on Sabah MP Corruption Case; "Police Made the Request to Avoid Hindering Investigations"

(Kuala Lumpur, 17th November) The controversy surrounding a Sabah MP corruption case continues to escalate. The online media outlet Malaysiakini, which exposed the scandal, has been asked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take down one of its videos and an article.

However, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified that he did not issue such a directive to the commission. Instead, he explained that it was the police who requested the removal to prevent interference with an ongoing investigation.

Currently, Malaysiakini is consulting with legal experts regarding the MCMC’s request for the removal of the content.

Earlier, the MCMC asked Malaysiakini to take down an article and a video recording involving Tempasuk assemblyman Mohd Arsad from the Sabah People's Party. The video shows Arsad complaining about the suspension of a RM70 million project and seemingly criticizing the "old team" of Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

In a letter dated November 16, the MCMC stated that the video and article might jeopardize the police investigation into threats received by a whistleblower and compromise the whistleblower’s safety and privacy.

Mohd Arsad responded yesterday, claiming that the video of his interaction with the whistleblower had been maliciously edited and manipulated to damage his reputation. He denied accusations of taking commissions or "kickbacks," calling them baseless and defamatory. "I want to clarify that my remarks in the video, which was maliciously edited and circulated, were made in jest and not in a serious context," he said.

On November 9, a whistleblower revealed to Malaysiakini that several state government officials were involved in corruption. The whistleblower claimed to have eight videos showing discussions of financial deals, including a 17-second recording that was handed over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The whistleblower also said he had written to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim seeking protection. Prime Minister Anwar, however, responded that if the whistleblower was involved in wrongdoing, he should not expect to be granted protection.

After receiving death threats following his exposé, the 36-year-old whistleblower filed a police report out of fear for his safety.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also caught up in the controversy, stated that the incident had malicious intentions aimed at undermining the state government’s reputation and unity. He called on law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly.