Sabah assemblyman implicated in video says he was just joking

PETALING JAYA: Tempasuk assemblyman Arsad Bistari said today his remarks heard in a viral video allegedly linked to the Sabah assemblymen’s corruption case were made in jest.

Arsad claimed the recording was edited and circulated with malicious intent, adding that he was “already aware” of the ill intention of the person he was conversing with.

“I wish to clarify that the conversation in the recording, that was edited and circulated with malicious intent, was done in jest and not in a serious manner,” he said in a statement.

“I suspected that the person I met with had (other intentions) and based on that assumption, I communicated (with him) sarcastically and informally.

“So, it is inappropriate to conclude that the conversation constitutes a confession or an act that violates the law,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

A video clip had surfaced showing Arsad purportedly discussing a project with a person who was also recording the conversation. It was the third such video – the other two allegedly featuring Kemabong assemblyman Rubin Balang, and an audio recording said to feature the voice of Sindumin assemblyman Yusof Yacob.

The recordings were disclosed by the whistleblower before they were circulated through a national news portal.

Arsad said although it was a casual conversation, it has been manipulated to portray him in a negative light.

“The allegations that I received commissions or ‘jolok’ is baseless slander created to tarnish my reputation in the eyes of the public.

“I also wish to clarify that I respect the position and discretion of the Sabah finance minister, Masidi Manjun, and Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor (in the awarding of project licences),” he said.

Arsad also denied allegations that he blamed Masidi and Hajiji for blocking his project, saying that the matter was deliberately distorted. He said this included claims that the assemblymen for Kawang, Pantai Dalit, Tanjung Batu and Labuk were involved, as mentioned in the conversation.

“I only referred to the challenges in implementing big projects in Sabah, where the approval processes involve many parties and a high level of procedures,” he said.

Arsad said that he was ready to give his full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and other authorities, if needed.

He has also instructed his lawyer to see what action could be taken against those involved in spreading misinformation or distorting his statement.

“A police report has been made for further action to be taken. I urge the media and all parties to be objective and to be fair when reporting this issue.

“Give space to the legal process and not judge or make assumptions that can confuse the public,” he said.