KUCHING (March 21, 2013): The Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) has lodged a report with the police over the Global Witness video, as it believes that there is a basis for alleged criminal infractions.
The video allegedly implicates Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his family in alleged shady deals.
AAS secretary Sarbjit Singh Khaira, accompanied by AAS president Khairil Azmie Mohd Hasbie and other central committee members, lodged the report at the Sungai Maong police station.
"As resolved at an emergency meeting (of the association), the report was lodged in respect of the video for the purpose of enabling the police to investigate its contents and to take further action in the event there is basis to allege criminal infractions," Khairil said in a statement released to reporters.
"In addition, the AAS will refer the two Sarawak lawyers implicated in the video, Alvin Chong Chee Vun and Huang Lung Ong, to the Advocates Inquiry Committee, an independent disciplinary body separate from the AAS, to conduct its inquiry into possible instances of professional misconduct under laws and regulations governing the legal profession in Sarawak.
"The inquiry committee is a statutory body established under the Advocates (Inquiry Committee) Rules 1988, with its panel members consisting of senior advocates.
"The matter is now in the capable hands of the relevant authorities. Until investigations are concluded and more facts come to light, the AAS advises the public to allow the law to take its course and to refrain from speculation," Khairil said.
He said that the committee's meeting today discussed the serious questions that have been raised following the online release of the video entitled "Inside Malaysia's Shadow State" by Global Witness, an international NGO.
He said the video features recorded conversations, with the two lawyers discussing matters ranging from illegal means to circumvent the operation of Malaysian laws to allegations of corruption and kickbacks to high officials within the State administration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VzS5rbeaXo
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