In the latest development of the alleged corruption scandal in Sabah, the whistleblower has released the full video recordings implicating several assemblypersons.
The whistleblower claims the videos document discussions about returning alleged bribes given to the politicians to secure support for a mining exploration license application.
The recordings, made in January this year, followed the revocation of the license.
The release of these videos comes hot on the heels of prominent lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah announcing his involvement in the case.
Shafee, representing the whistleblower on a pro bono basis, aims to set a precedent for protecting whistleblowers in high-profile cases.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Shafee revealed that his client chose to disclose the full recordings after receiving a discouraging response from the authorities regarding protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
“My client hopes this will highlight the gravity of the situation,” he stated.
When questioned about allegations that the whistleblower might be backed by politicians with vested interests, Shafee responded: “I have no knowledge of this.”
“What I do know is the law. And under the law, political conspiracies cannot be used to excuse acts of corruption. The critical question remains whether politicians, elected to safeguard public interests, accept bribes.
“Did the politicians abuse state resources to line their own pockets and offer them as ‘gifts’ in exchange for support?” he added.
Asked whether the released recordings could incriminate the whistleblower, Shafee argued that his client cannot be charged if his identity—both face and voice—is not discernible.
“Even if my client were arrested, there would be no witnesses to support a prosecution. I don’t expect those who accept bribes to voluntarily confess. This creates a Catch-22 situation,” he explained.
Shafee emphasised that the authorities must decide what is more crucial in terms of public interest and their responsibilities:
“Should they prosecute a businessperson who offered bribes, or should they focus on rooting out corrupt politicians who misuse public office?
“Without a clear stance, neither the giver nor the receiver will admit guilt, and the case will collapse. If this is the intended outcome, the authorities and government must be transparent about it,” he added.
Asked why the whistleblower chose to release the videos to the media rather than submit them to the MACC, which had promised to review his request, Shafee attributed it to a trust deficit.
“The lack of public confidence in state institutions is well-documented. Even Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has long claimed to be a victim of state apparatus manipulation. Other former prime ministers, including Dr Mahathir Mohamad, have made similar allegations.
“My client fears the same treatment. If such mistrust can affect top political leaders, how can an ordinary businessperson feel safe?
“When trust erodes, people turn to the media, hoping it fulfils its role as the fourth estate to ensure such allegations are not ignored,” he added.
The whistleblower has also furnished Malaysiakini with copies of the documents to substantiate his allegation. He also claims to possess more videos and screenshots of Whatsapp messages.
Malaysiakini is withholding the videos in order to provide those implicated and the Chief Minister’s Office adequate time to respond.
Previously, the whistleblower released four videos, two of which – featuring Deputy Chief Minister II Shahelmey Yahya and Tempasuk assemblyperson Mohd Arsad Bistari – were incomplete versions.
The other two full-length videos were of Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) former chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon and Kemabong assemblyperson Rubin Balang.
The whistleblower had clarified that he did not offer a bribe to Rubin and the video documented their negotiation to use a firm belonging to the assemblyperson’s children to secure a mining exploration licence.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has claimed that the videos are aimed at discrediting and weakening his government.
He also vowed full cooperation with MACC but insisted that the whistleblower, whose motives he questioned, be arrested and investigated.
The whistleblower told Malaysiakini that MACC. which has recorded the statements of several assemblypersons, but has not contacted him. – Malaysiakini