EXCLUSIVE | The whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal has revealed screenshots of WhatsApp messages along with details of the time and location of transactions allegedly tied to a payment of RM400,000 to Deputy Chief Minister III Shahelmey Yahya.
Shahelmey is also the state works minister, MP for Putatan and assemblyperson for Tanjung Keramat.
According to the whistleblower, the RM400,000 is allegedly part of a promised RM1 million bribe for a mineral exploration licence “gifted” to Shahelmey by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in exchange for his support during the 2023 political crisis in the state.
In one of the six WhatsApp screenshots of their purported conversation, there was a message which read: “Good evening datuk/bro. Tolong bungkus/wrap pakej untuk besok ya (Please wrap the package for tomorrow).”
The whistleblower claimed the “package” referred to RM200,000 in cash.
The whistleblower claimed that the RM1 million was to be paid in phases - RM200,000 or 20 percent after obtaining the “supporting notes in the minutes from the chief minister” and another RM200,000 after “securing an approval letter from Sabah Mineral Management (SMM)”.
Whereas the remaining 60 percent or RM600,000 would allegedly be paid upon “receiving the original licence from the Land and Survey Department”.
Previously, Malaysiakini published a video in which Shahelmey, during a discussion with the whistleblower about the amount, also implicated the chief minister.
The whistleblower claimed several assemblypersons were allegedly bribed to secure mineral exploration licences.
He further alleged that the funds were an advance from investors, provided specifically to facilitate the bribes necessary for obtaining mineral exploration license approvals.
On Tuesday, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, announced that his client had decided to release WhatsApp messages and other supporting “evidence” to refute claims that the funds were political donations.
The senior lawyer added that his client plans to file a report with the MACC and submit further evidence in his possession.
Below are the details of the alleged transactions involving Shahelmey and the WhatsApp screenshots.
Malaysiakini has redacted the last five digits of the assemblyperson’s mobile phone number, but it can confirm that the number is his.
RM400,000 in cash, 10pct ‘free shares’
According to the whistleblower, the first RM200,000 was handed over on Feb 19, 2023, around 5pm at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.
Another RM200,000 was allegedly delivered on May 18, 2023, around 11.30am at the Sabah Public Works Minister’s Office in Kota Kinabalu.
The whistleblower claimed that Shahelmey also requested a 10 percent share "free of charge" in the company that applied for the mineral exploration licence as a reward for his assistance.
Malaysiakini has contacted Shahelmey for a response. - Mkini
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