Masidi: Ministers not above the law in 'turtle egg consumption' investigation
BY STEPHANIE LEETHE STAR
A file picture of the turtle eggs served during the dinner.
KOTA KINABALU: All those questioned by authorities in connection with a turtle egg consumption investigation have been urged to give their full cooperation, including ministers.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said everyone, including ministers and local leaders, were not above the law and should give their cooperation.
This issue caught the public's attention after photographs of eggs served at a restaurant during a function went viral on social media in November last year.
Photographs showed Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Beluran Umno chief Datuk James Ratib seated at a table with a plate of turtle eggs, some already consumed, in front of them.
Masidi said coming forward to give a statement was not a sign of guilt.
"Don't worry, just come forward and assist the Wildlife Department so that they can solve this case as soon as possible," he said after launching Sabah's newest radio station – Kupikupifm – here on Thursday.
Masidi was commenting on a recent news report alleging that ministers involved in the case were not giving cooperation to investigators.
"The authorities just want to get as many witnesses and information as possible so they can zero in on the culprits and solve this case," he said, in adding there was no reason for anyone to delay giving their statements.
