Cash And Bank Transfer Rm360k Linked To Tempasuk Rep

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EXCLUSIVE | The whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal has unveiled screenshots of WhatsApp messages, along with details of the time, location, and banking transactions allegedly tied to a payment of RM360,000 to Tempasuk assemblyperson Mohd Arsad Bistari.
This sum is said to be part of an alleged RM1 million bribe that was promised to Arsad.
Previously, Malaysiakini published a video showing Arsad, who also serves as the chairperson of Sabah Softwoods Bhd, in a discussion with the whistleblower regarding the amount.
Arsad had denied the allegation, claiming that the video was edited.
The whistleblower claimed that several assemblypersons were allegedly bribed to secure mineral exploration licences approved by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
The businessperson further alleged that the funds were an advance from investors, provided specifically to facilitate the bribes necessary for obtaining mineral exploration licence approvals.
If the licences were not secured, the whistleblower would be responsible for returning the money to the investors.
Not political donations
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 Arsad, including RM210,000 purportedly handed over in cash and the WhatsApp screenshots of their purported conversation.
Malaysiakini has redacted the last five digits of Arsad's mobile phone number, but it can confirm that the number is his.
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Cash payments and bank transfer
According to the whistleblower, the first RM50,000 was given in cash on March 8, 2023, at approximately 2pm at Warung Sederhana Restaurant (located below Arsad’s office, WH Cekal Bersepadu), Grace Square 2 in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
On March 9, 2023, an RM150,000 payment was allegedly made via bank transfer to a Public Bank account at approximately 12.30pm.
A further RM100,000 in cash was said to have been handed over on May 13, 2023, at approximately 11am at the Hilton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Another MP present
On June 27, 2023, RM60,000 in cash was allegedly paid at approximately 11.30am at the Sabah Softwoods chairperson’s office, Wisma Innoprise, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The whistleblower claimed that state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Assistant Minister Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy was also present.
Andi, who is the Kalabakan MP and Tanjung Batu assemblyperson, was also one of those alleged to have received bribes.
The whistleblower claimed that Arsad requested a 10 percent share "free of charge" in the company applying for the mineral exploration licence as a reward for his assistance.
He purportedly appointed a proxy named "Yakob” as the holder of the 10 percent share in the company officially registered with the Companies Commission.
Malaysiakini has contacted Arsad for a response. - Mkini

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