Categories: Business NewsCorruptionMoney and Investment

Confession of a whistleblower to bribing 8 YBs

A whistleblower involved in an alleged corruption scandal in Sabah has appealed to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar for protection and review of his evidence. In an open letter, the businessperson admitted to bribing eight state assemblypersons under pressure, stating that a government-linked company’s CEO had informed him that political support was required to secure mineral exploration licenses.

The whistleblower enclosed a video featuring the former CEO of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, Jontih Enggihon, allegedly exposing misuse of power by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor. He claimed desperation and financial strain left him with no other options.

“I solemnly swear that, in my state of distress, I had no choice but to give bribes to the eight YBs. The GLC’s CEO confirmed to me that licenses would only be issued if a YB backed the applicant, while even companies with the highest scores would not be considered without such support.

Whistleblower

“Together with this letter, I enclose a video from the CEO of the GLC for His Majesty’s attention and investigation.

“This video is not one of the eight HD videos of the YBs but rather of the former chief executive officer of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, Mr Jontih Enggihon, condemning the (alleged) abuse of power by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, recorded with his consent.

“I swear that, at the time, I was desperate and saw no alternative, as I had already invested heavily in preparation for the mineral exploration project and had incurred debts with investors, facing no other way to obtain the licenses than to bribe these YBs,” he added in the letter.