Shafiq Abdul Halim, a freelance researcher for Wan Saiful, had apologised over the claim, saying he had “misspoken” when commenting on rumours MACC had offered Wan Saiful RM10 million to tweak his statement to the authorities.

At a press conference here today, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said Shafiq was arrested yesterday under Section 48 of the MACC Act for obstructing investigations.

“He came to our headquarters after being summoned and was arrested at 3.30pm yesterday,” said Azam.

He described Shafiq’s claim as a wild accusation that tarnished MACC’s reputation.

“This (video) cannot be removed completely (from the internet). And there will be some who will believe in (the claim made in the video),” said Azam, adding that he could not forgive Shafiq for his action.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Shafiq said he had no intention of accusing anyone, including Azam.

He alleged that the TikTok video in which he purportedly made the claim had been edited by cybertroopers from Pakatan Harapan to make it look like he had accused MACC of offering money to Wan Saiful.

On Tuesday, Wan Saiful claimed trial to accepting a bribe of RM6.9 million in relation to the Jana Wibawa initiative.

The Tasek Gelugor MP was also charged with soliciting an unspecified amount for a road project worth RM232 million linked to the programme.

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