KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is investigating several high-profile individuals, including former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, after a high-level inquiry found evidence that they were involved in a conspiracy to manipulate the appointment of judges.

A five-member panel has found beyond doubt that a video clip showing lawyer V.K. Lingam brokering judicial appointments is genuine.

They said tycoon Vincent Tan and former tourism minister Tengku Adnan Mansor were also actively involved in brokering the appointments.

According to the report, even Dr Mahathir is embroiled in the scandal.

Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim said the attorney-general has been instructed to investigate on possible wrongdoings by all individuals concerned.

He said: "Offences under the official secrets act, offences under the sedition act, offences under the penal code, obstruction of justice – there are various offences cited in the report. These are issues the attorney-general will have to investigate."

Mr Zaid added that the government, which has earlier proposed setting up a judicial appointment commission, is committed towards restoring judicial confidence.

But the newly elected MP who recorded the clip said more needs to be done.

Loh Gwo-Burne, MP of Kelana Jaya, said: "This is just the flag pole on top of the iceberg, he is just one of the many people doing the same thing. If you take out V.K. Lingam, there are a hundred V.Ks waiting to take his place. What's the point? Whether he's charged or not is not the main issue here – the main issue is to recognise that there's something wrong and take proper and necessary steps to address the issue."

Mr Loh also denied that he recorded the clip for the purpose of blackmail as accused by Dr Mahathir.

He said: "Initially, it was accidental, and then it became intentional because I continued. Why I took it? It's definitely not for blackmail. I believe there's proof that there's something wrong with our judiciary (system), I can confirm this. If you have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to get proof, would you not try to do it?"

Priced at around US$150, the 191-page report will be on sale early next week.

While the attorney-general has initiated investigation on all individuals identified in the report, it remains to be seen whether any high-profile individuals will be charged in court.

Mr Loh, who recorded the clip, claimed he has merely revealed less than one third of the entire clip, and more people may be implicated if the full clip is shown.


- CNA/so