Bala submits affidavit to MACC

PUTRAJAYA: P Balasubramaniam, a key witness in the murder trial of Mongolian Altantuya Shariibuu, submitted his affidavit to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today.

The affidavit was sent to MACC officers by his lawyers, Americk Sidhu, Manjeet Singh Dhillon and Amarjit Sidhu.

The MACC had early this month submitted questions which needed to be answered and to get him to reply in the form of a sworn affidavit as provided for under Section 30(1)(c) of the MACC Act 2010.

This followed the MACC's decision not to send its officers to London to record a statement from the private investigator.

On the meeting with MACC officers, Americk described it as pleasant.

"They (MACC officers) seemed quite keen to ensure that the investigation will be completed as soon as possible," he told reporters after handing over the affidavit at the MACC office here.

He said Bala took about three days to complete the questionnaire which consisted of 52 questions, in the presence of his lawyers in London.

"I was the one who typed it out," Americk said.

"All (questions) were answered and in fact we added a lot more information that they (MACC) did not ask for. Hopefully, with the additional information, the investigation can be closed."

He said the additional information related to a payment made to Bala.

"I think this is what they have not received before. Other information have been available for a long time, anyway."

'Bala wants to come home'

Asked whether the MACC would call Bala back, Americk said: "I don’t think so. The investigation is almost completed now.

"Maybe there'll be a few questions the MACC wishes to ask Bala after it has read the answers and I can put them to Bala easily. No problem."

Americk reminded that the answered questions were not intended to be used in court but to help the MACC with the investigation.

"If the matter goes to court, of course Bala would have to come to testify himself."

Asked whether the answers given by Bala could be made public, Americk said: "The answers are probably not a secret, but I see no reason to divulge the answers at the moment. I think it is best to let the MACC conclude the investigation."

To another question, the lawyer said Bala wished to return to Malaysia.

"He has no problem... no hesitation if his safety is guaranteed."

- Bernama