Quoting sources, The Star reported that the trio were summoned following the release of videos by a news portal, purportedly showing them discussing bribes for the licences with a whistleblower.

It is understood that deputy chief minister Shahelmey Yahya, Kemabong assemblyman Rubin Balang and Tempasuk assemblyman Arsad Bistari provided their statements within the last 48 hours, the report said.

It said Rubin confirmed that he provided his statement, while Shahelmey and Arsad have yet to respond to requests for comment.

Over the past week, several video clips allegedly depicting the trio discussing a project with an individual who recorded the conversation had surfaced.

The recordings were disclosed by the whistleblower before they were circulated through a news portal.

The whistleblower’s lawyer said his client was willing to provide MACC with evidence if it could guarantee that he would not be investigated, but MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the whistleblower should first file an official complaint.

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor has since said he had nothing to hide and called on MACC to investigate the case. He said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government will assist in the MACC’s investigation.