Azmin convinced video clips ‘an inside job’
SHAH ALAM: PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali believes the sex video clips implicating him are an inside job from the party.
“I am convinced,” he said twice, when asked if the move was orchestrated by someone within the party.
“This followed a news report on the disappearance of a state PKR leader, who is said to have connections in the Philippines, after the video clips were spread on social media.”
Without naming anyone, Azmin said he had been confident from the beginning that the controversy was a political agenda played up by certain quarters.
“It is aimed at stopping my advancement and performance in government and politics.
“I am confident that the people can see who is the culprit behind this episode.
“I feel it’s best that the rakyat decide on the matter.
“It is proven that the perception to foresee who is involved in this conspiracy and slander is growing stronger.”
Azmin, who is economic affairs minister, said this after witnessing the signing of a development right agreement between PCSBMGB Consortium and Must Ehsan Development Sdn Bhd to build affordable homes in Encorp Cahaya Alam here.
Present were Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Asked to comment on an article by Australian media organisation, SBS News, which reported that the sex video clips were not digitally altered, Azmin said it was wicked and cruel gutter politics. He said it was inappropriate for anyone to comment on the video clips as police were investigating the case.
“Any statement issued by an individual or any parties now is unfair because the investigation is ongoing.
“I have made some efforts to clear my name, apart from lodging the qazaf report, a police report and others as advised by my lawyers.
“If there are any irresponsible parties making statements like that, it can be seen as disturbing the investigation process.”
Asked on the call for him to make sumpah laknat (swear that he is telling the truth or face damnation), Azmin said that was why a qazaf report was made.
“There is a process, so let it take its course.
“It was done based on my lawyer’s advice and those who had given their views on the matter. We should allow the investigation to proceed, and not interfere with it with statements or put pressure on those who are tasked with carrying out the probe.”
Azmin’s lawyer, N. Surendran, in a statement confirmed that a Gombak federal lawmaker had, on Monday, given his statement to the police over the sex video.
Surendran said this was related to the investigation resulting from the police report lodged by Azmin’s political secretary, who had called for a probe into the circulation of the video clips.
“The video clips are slanderous and politically motivated to attack Azmin.
“The minister’s office had been contacted by police on Sunday to record his statement as part of their investigation. Prioritising the matter, yesterday (Monday), Azmin gave his statement to the police to assist them in their investigation,” Surendran said.
He said there were signs of an organised and systematic attempt to discredit and bring down his client through the attack.
“The perpetrators had access to leaked personal data of party members, sophisticated means and a clear political agenda.
“We trust the police will get to the bottom of this and identify and take action against the culprits under the law.”
Police are investigating the case under Sections 292 (sale of obscene material), 504 (intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 377B (carnal intercourse against nature) of the Penal Code, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, for improper use of network facilities or network service.