Mar 12, 2025
|
🇬🇧 ENG
During a press conference, Latheefa asserted that the videos clearly demonstrate admissions of corrupt practices regarding mineral prospecting licences. She has called upon the government and MACC to act decisively based on the new evidence, emphasising that there should be “no more excuses” for inaction and urging authorities to grant Albert full whistleblower protection.
The MACC confirmed receipt of the videos and has opened a forensic review to verify their authenticity and evidential value. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that prior investigations were hampered by heavily edited materials, which lacked credibility. The current submission, however, has led to summonses for several implicated individuals, including key government assemblymen and Albert himself, who may face charges alongside those he exposed due to limitations in the Whistleblower Protection Act.
The scandal centres on alleged bribery payments in exchange for mineral licences, with discussions in the videos purportedly implicating multiple state officials. The issue has sparked calls for greater government transparency and safeguards for whistleblowers, amid criticism of the MACC’s handling of past corruption investigations.
Background / Related Cases
The Sabah mining bribery scandal initially came to public attention in late 2024 after a series of viral videos implicated state representatives in seeking illicit payments for mineral prospecting approvals. Businessman Albert Tei recorded and shared the evidence, claiming extensive sums were paid to sustain a “duit kopi” (bribery) culture. Attempts to secure whistleblower protection for Tei were denied, as Malaysian law excludes protection for those implicated in the wrongdoing under disclosure.
In March 2025, MACC confirmed that investigations into two assemblymen and the whistleblower were completed with charges expected to follow. The scandal has intensified scrutiny over the state government’s integrity and raised political pressure on coalition leaders ahead of the Sabah state polls. Past cases, such as the allegations against former Chief Minister Musa Aman, illustrate Sabah’s longstanding struggle with corruption in resource management and political administration.
Sources / References
Additional Public References:
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission official statements
Sabah mining scandal background coverage (Free Malaysia Today, South China Morning Post, The Star, Sinar Daily)
Legal analysis on whistleblower protection in Malaysia
Sabah political fallout analysis (Straits Times, Fulcrum)
