Businessperson Unfazed As Azam Names Him To Give Macc Statement

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For nearly five months, a 36-year-old businessperson operated from the shadows, exposing a major corruption scandal that sent shockwaves through Sabah.
Armed with nothing more than a camera pen purchased from Shopee for RM75, his covert recordings set the political landscape ablaze.
Yesterday, former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya identified him only as “Albert”, withholding his full name to protect him.
Hours later, her successor, Azam Baki disclosed his surname to the media at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiYet, the father of two remains unfazed, refusing to dwell on whether this was intentional.
“It doesn’t matter,” he told Malaysiakini.
“I am just a little concerned for my family. I received death threats in the past. What if something happens, who will be responsible?” he asked.

The businessperson also accused the Sabah government of waging a full-scale social media campaign against him since the videos emerged.
“They have revealed my name, personal details and even listed the properties and vehicles I own, all in a desperate attempt to discredit me. Some of the information is false.
“They have hurled accusations, trying to shift the focus away. As if attacking me could somehow justify their position. But none of it matters.
“I am prepared to go all the way. So they better be prepared as well,” he asserted.
Among others, the businessperson, who is scheduled to give his statement to MACC this afternoon, has been accused of being part of a cartel seeking to monopolise mining in the state and resorting to fraudulent means to achieve this objective.
Damning videos and WhatsApp texts
Since November, he has released nine damning videos and a trove of WhatsApp messages.
The latest video and messages implicated state legislative assembly speaker Kadzim Yahya.
The latest video and messages implicated state legislative assembly speaker Kadzim YahyaAccording to the businessperson, these materials, along with additional evidence in his possession, prove that he bribed Sabah lawmakers in exchange for mineral exploration licences.
“I was hoping for protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act, given that I’ve revealed one of the biggest corruption scandals in Malaysian history.
“Instead, I was sent a clear message: stay silent,” he told Malaysiakini, noting his previous appeals to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The businessperson acknowledged the risks of challenging influential politicians, recognising that the situation could easily turn against him.
“I know the risks. I am taking on powerful politicians. I am prepared for any eventuality.
“Latheefa and my lawyers have told me that I should be treated as a prosecution witness as enforcement agencies typically pursue the ‘bigger fish’,” he added.
When asked whether Latheefa’s support had strengthened his resolve, the whistleblower agreed.
“I am grateful to her and Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) for standing by me,” he said.
Former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya and LFL executive director Zaid MalekDuring her press conference, Latheefa revealed that a high-ranking individual had attempted to dissuade the whistleblower from coming forward.
“He was told to ‘walk away, take a holiday, don’t lodge a report, and say it was all a misunderstanding’ - or face consequences,” she disclosed, without naming the person.
Yesterday, LFL executive director Zaid Malek submitted the full, unedited video recordings to MACC.
This move was in response to Azam’s statement that the published videos - where the businessperson’s voice was altered for anonymity - were edited and, therefore, inadmissible as evidence.
‘Furious and desperate’
In an earlier interview with Malaysiakini, the businessperson acknowledged that bribing assemblypersons was wrong but claimed he had been left with no alternative.
“I was told this was the only way to do business in Sabah,” he said.
He explained that the recordings were made in desperation after the mineral exploration licences were revoked.
“I was furious and desperate. I had invested a significant amount of time and money into the mining exploration process,” he stated.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has since dismissed the allegations, accusing the businessperson of working with vested interests to undermine his administration ahead of the state election. - Mkini

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