“I have gone through the news reports regarding the recordings and I believe that Hajiji’s stand should be upheld by other party leaders,” Zahid was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

The deputy prime minister also expressed hope that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe into the case would not affect the Sabah assembly’s current session.

On Tuesday, Hajiji said he had nothing to hide in the alleged case and that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government will assist in MACC’s investigation.

The GRS chairman also said MACC should investigate the individual who offered bribes to the implicated assemblymen.

An individual claiming to be a whistleblower reportedly claimed eight assemblymen were involved in seeking bribes for a mining licence.

His lawyer had met with MACC officials seeking an agreement that his client would not be investigated before providing evidence to the agency.

However, MACC rejected this request, saying they could not provide a written guarantee of immunity without detailed information about the alleged improper conduct.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also said the whistleblower cannot expect protection if he was involved in corruption.

On Wednesday, Beaufort Umno chief Awang Aslee Lakat denied rumours that Sabah Umno was involved in exposing the alleged bribery case.