A businessperson who linked Sabah Speaker Kadzim Yahya to a corruption scandal has released alleged WhatsApp messages between them, supposedly proving financial dealings.
In the leaked conversation dated 30 May 2024, Kadzim allegedly requested a cash advance, claiming he had lost his wallet.
“You can also just offset it from what is due to me,” the speaker allegedly wrote, adding that he had to block his bank cards and accounts to prevent misuse.
The businessperson reportedly agreed and promised to deliver RM50,000 the next day.
One of the alleged messages also showed Kadzim requesting discretion, asking that the “missing wallet” not be mentioned to his wife to avoid her making “noise.”
Kadzim’s response
Kadzim acknowledged the exchange but insisted it was merely a request to borrow money rather than an advance payment.
“It was not like an advance per se, like part payment. It was requesting to borrow some cash while settling the matter. When we later met in KK, I offered to refund, but he said, ‘it’s okay, later lah’. That’s about it,” he told Malaysiakini.
Meanwhile, Kadzim denied all allegations, calling them falsehoods meant to damage his reputation.
“I categorically deny these baseless allegations. I have never used my position to request or receive any projects,” he stated.
He also warned against the spread of defamatory claims, saying he would not hesitate to take legal action against those publishing unverified allegations.