The whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal has confronted Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Youth chief Fairuz Renddan with evidence of the alleged RM5,000 received by the politician.
The businessperson shared a bank transfer receipt from May 2021 to refresh the Sabah youth and sports assistant minister’s memory.
Yesterday, Fairuz denied knowing Albert or recalling any meeting between them. He also downplayed the monetary transaction, stating that receiving contributions from friends was not unusual.
However, the whistleblower, identified as Albert, urged Fairuz (above) to check the Public Bank account registered under his name.
“Don’t worry, bank records don’t just disappear. The transfer receipt includes a reference number, date, and time, so it won’t be difficult to find,” he said.
Albert advised Fairuz not to “make excuses” like state legislative assembly speaker Kadzim Yahya, who claimed he borrowed RM50,000 from the businessperson after losing his wallet.
“Why would I lend Kadzim such a large sum and not ask for it to be returned? He’s neither family nor a close friend,” the businessperson added.
Albert said he is also responding to certain social media accounts which challenged him to publish the transfer receipt and not to spread slander against Fairuz.
Malaysiakini has contacted Fairuz, who is the Pintasan assemblyperson, for comment.
‘Don’t ignore evidence of corruption’
Fairuz’s denial came after he criticised former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya for defending Albert, who had previously been charged under the Immigration Act but was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in 2019.
However, Latheefa refused to be drawn into political mudslinging.
“I will not respond to attempts to sidetrack the issue. This is about ensuring the federal government does not ignore clear prima facie evidence of corruption.
“That it involves elected representatives or the state government is incidental.
“The videos speak for themselves. Let the investigation proceed fairly, independently, and without bias,” she said.
Since last November, Albert has released nine videos and a trove of WhatsApp messages allegedly implicating several Sabah assemblypersons. He claims to have bribed politicians in exchange for mineral exploration licenses.
Following his second interview with MACC yesterday, Albert’s lawyer, Mahjoth Singh, stated that his client had provided “ample evidence” to the commission.
“The statement spans nearly 50 pages. Corruption by public servants must be investigated with urgency and rigour. The ball is now in MACC’s court,” he said after the 11-hour session.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has dismissed the allegations, accusing Albert of working with individuals who have vested interests in undermining his administration.
Albert is also accused of being part of a cartel seeking to monopolise mining activities in the state through fraudulent means. - Mkini
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