EXCLUSIVE | The whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal has released WhatsApp screenshots and details about alleged transactions involving RM300,000 reportedly linked to state Finance Minister Masidi Manjun.
The whistleblower alleged that Masidi, also the Karanaan assemblyperson, was offered RM3 million and 15 percent of “free shares” in a company seeking a mineral exploration licence. These incentives were allegedly in exchange for his assistance.
The whistleblower claimed Masidi received a higher offer than others due to his status as the “second leader” in the state government after Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
The whistleblower stated that he made a video call to one of his Singapore-based investors on July 2, 2023, in the presence of Masidi, who purportedly knew the investor.
The meeting was allegedly arranged by the company chairperson, identified only as “AR” who also witnessed the agreement.
A deposit of RM300,000, constituting 10 percent of the alleged offer, was purportedly handed to Masidi on Aug 15, 2023, at 4.30pm at the Sabah Finance Ministry Office in Kota Kinabalu.
Before delivering the cash, the whistleblower claimed to have met "AR" at an OldTown White Coffee outlet in Likas, Kota Kinabalu. During this meeting, the whistleblower allegedly displayed the RM300,000, stored in a black backpack, to inform “AR” of the deposit.
Malaysiakini previously published a video showing a discussion between Masidi and the whistleblower regarding mineral exploration licences and funds.
The video also featured the minister’s aide, Johari Suhaimin, who reportedly confirmed witnessing the RM300,000 being handed to Masidi.
Masidi has since denied the allegations, describing them as slander, and claimed the video was edited. His aide echoed these sentiments.
‘Disappearing Messages’ feature activated
The whistleblower also alleged that Masidi enabled WhatsApp’s “Disappearing Messages” feature but maintained that he saved critical conversations.
The whistleblower has alleged that several assemblypersons were bribed to secure mineral exploration licences.
He claimed the money was part of an advance from investors, specifically intended for bribing officials to obtain the licences.
On Tuesday, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, announced that his client would release WhatsApp messages and other supporting evidence to refute claims that the funds were political donations.
The senior lawyer also stated that the whistleblower plans to file a report with the MACC and submit additional evidence in his possession.
Below are the screenshots of the alleged WhatsApp messages linked to Masidi. Malaysiakini has redacted the last five digits of the assemblyperson’s mobile phone number, but it can confirm that the number is indeed his.
When contacted, Masidi commented on an image in the screenshot dated Aug 17, 2023.
“It’s just an annotation allegedly by the chief minister to bring the application to the board for consideration.
“It’s not an approval or even a recommendation,” Masidi told Malaysiakini, in reference to a handwritten note seen on the alleged document.
“I am not confirming anything. The authenticity of the document would have to be proven.
“I am just interpreting the wordings of the annotation,” he added.
- Mkini
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