PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is conducting two separate investigations—one involving alleged corruption by Sabah state assemblymen and another targeting a whistleblower, says Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Azam clarified that the investigations are distinct: one concerns the whistleblower and a senior officer linked to mineral exploration, while the other involves corruption allegations against Sabah assemblymen.
“We are currently investigating two cases. One pertains to the whistleblower and a senior officer, from whom statements have been recorded. The second involves Sabah state assemblymen, where 15 statements have been collected from eight individuals so far,” Azam told reporters after closing the National-Level International Anti-Corruption Day celebration on Monday (Dec 9).
He emphasised that the probe into the whistleblower stemmed from allegations of collusion with a senior officer regarding mineral exploration, as opposed to the approval of mining licences—a matter tied to the state assemblymen investigation.
“I want to stress that claims we never acted are false. A report was lodged against the whistleblower, accusing him of working with a senior officer in Sabah on mineral exploration issues,” he said.
On Nov 16, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, along with Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari and Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang, provided statements to the MACC.
The trio’s questioning followed the release of videos by a news portal showing conversations between them and the whistleblower on the matter.
Last Wednesday, Sabah state finance minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun also voluntarily provided a statement to graft investigators after a video emerged of him discussing Sabah mineral prospecting licences with a businessman.
The investigation intensified following a report lodged on Nov 12 by the Sabah government against former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon. Enggihon accused Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor of abusing his powers in issuing prospecting and mining licences.
The allegations were supported by a pre-recorded video interview released online, where a businessman claimed to possess eight secret video recordings of alleged bribery involving senior Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders.
The state government’s report focuses on Enggihon’s connection to the businessman and the issuance of mining licences, which were later withdrawn. Despite seeking whistleblower protection from the MACC, the businessman has yet to formally lodge a report.
Hajiji has dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and designed to destabilise the government.
Meanwhile, Azam noted that MACC officers began recording the whistleblower’s statement on Saturday and expected to conclude the process by Monday (Dec 9).
“The whistleblower is still refusing to hand over evidence, claiming he is seeking protection and immunity. I want to reiterate that we cannot grant protection until he provides the evidence,” Azam said, adding that the whistleblower was accompanied by his lawyer during the sessions with MACC officers.
