16. Source Protected ! ?

New identity, new face -- these are what the government can offer to protect the source of the video clip featuring a conversation between a lawyer and a judge on the appointment of judges.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Abdul Aziz said the witness can be given a new identity or undergo surgery to be given a new face under the Witness Protection Act.

He said this when commenting on the refusal of the source to come forward to help the three-man independent panel determine the authenticity of the video clip which was first made public by Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Since then, Anwar and two other PKR officials called by the Anti-Corruption Agency have refused to name the source who fears for his safety.

Speaking to reporters after handing over Aidilfitri contribution at Lubuk Merbau near here, Nazri said there is no excuse for the source to deny cooperation to the panel as the government guarantees his safety.

Anwar had recently said the source of the video clip would only come forward if he is given immunity and adequate protection.

The government had established the independent panel on Sept 25 to determine the authenticity of the video clip which has rocked the judiciary, causing the legal fraternity to call for a Royal Commission to be formed to investigate the matter.

Nazri said witness protection is given even in police and ACA cases and not only for Royal Commission cases only.

He said it is important for PKR to name the source, or it can be concluded that they were cheating, Bernama reported.

In Penang, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government’s intention is to be fair and to get down to the root of the matter in seeking out the source of the controversial video clip.

“It shouldn’t be interpreted as a diversion or anything else as we need to find the source to know more information about the video clip,” he said.

He added that the independent panel formed to probe the authenticity of the video clip needs more information for a more complete investigation into the whole matter.

“Our intention is to be fair so all (involved) please cooperate,” he said, in response to comments by certain quarters which had accused the government of going after the ‘whistleblower’ in the controversial video clip issue and using it as a diversion - The Sun.


What harm or effort is it for the Government to set up a legally constituted Royal Commission for such a MATTER OF GRAVE IMPORTANCE to the Judiciary, the future of the Legal Profession, and the Malaysian Public.

A Royal Commission is a legal entity and itself has immunity and can confer immunity, summon witnesses, direct investigations, determine authenticity, and do the whole spectrum of work for this very important matter facing the nation today.