Christmas Gift And Land Deal Albert Reveals More Whatsapp Texts

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Businessperson Albert Tei has released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations that supposedly show that Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Jeffrey Kitingan received money from him.
In the latest twist to the Sabah mining scandal, the screenshots, parts of which were redacted, surfaced after Kitingan’s aide, Rizal Johari, denied graft allegations following Tei’s release of a video purportedly showing him discussing the transactions.
The 12 screenshots, purportedly showing conversations between Tei and Kitingan, are dated between April and December 2023.
In a Dec 14 exchange that year, Kitingan allegedly shared details of a CIMB bank account with the message: “Klu ada Christmas gift (If there’s a Christmas gift). Tq. God bless you… I pray that 2024 will be a successful year.”
ADSLater, on Dec 21, Tei informed that he had deposited RM10,000 and wished “Merry Christmas”. The businessperson explained that he could only afford RM10,000 because Chief Minister Hajiji Noor had blocked all his projects.
‘No problem, I will arrange’
Another message, dated July 2, 2023, shows Kitingan allegedly requesting RM200,000 from Tei to acquire a piece of land, to which Tei replied: “Okay DSP (Datuk Seri Panglima), no problem, I will arrange.”
Sabah DCM Jeffrey KitinganOn July 14, Kitingan allegedly requested an “additional 50 for belanja (expenses),” to which Tei replied that due to banking issues, he could only deliver “100” immediately, with the balance to be settled at the end of the month.
In the same message, Kitingan also allegedly told Tei to meet him at his room at the Pavilion Hotel before going for breakfast together.
In a conversation dated May 25, Kitingan allegedly requested funds from Tei for transport and accommodation for “deligates (sic)”.
“... I need some funds for these guests of Dayak (sic) from Kalimantan and Sarawak… better give 50. Thanks Albert,” read the message. Tei, in his reply, agreed to provide the funds.
Interestingly, the Keningau MP, who is often described as Sabah’s biggest “political frog”, also allegedly referred to the anti-hopping law in the same exchange.
“RUU Anti-Lompat very hot debate but we got more than two-third vites (sic),” the message stated.
In an earlier conversation dated April 23, 2023, Tei was told that RM100,000 was needed for Kaamatan (harvest festival) and asked if he could contribute, to which he replied: “No problem.”
Businessperson Albert TeiIn a follow-up exchange on April 27, Tei wrote that “100 already given to Rizal,” to which the other person responded: “Thank you DAT, Rizal already informed me.” It is understood that DAT stands for Dato Albert Tei.
A conversation from Sept 6 contained details of a CIMB bank account to which Kitingan allegedly asked Tei to “transfer 20k… today” and the businessperson responded, “Alright, I’ll arrange now.”
ADSIn a subsequent exchange on Sept 15, Kitingan told Tei that he “needs some RM 2morw… 100 only urgent.” In his reply, Tei said: “Alright, I will arrange to DSP.  Tomorrow pass to Rizal. I am at KL now, tomorrow morning hand to Rizal, his flight afternoon.”
In the same conversation, Tei brought up a silica mining project and asked that the chief minister be persuaded not to “disturb” it, referring to the project as their “piggy bank.”
Later that day, in another message, Tei wrote: “...100k handed to Rizal. Done…”, which was met with a response containing three “thumbs up” emojis.
‘No comment’
Malaysiakini has contacted Kitingan for comment.
When contacted for a response, Rizal declined to comment, citing lawyers’ advice as the case is under MACC investigation.
Rizal JohariOn Sept 24, Tei released a video recording of his conversation with Kitingan, during which details of the alleged transactions were discussed. The businessperson claimed that the veteran politician had received RM1.78 million from him.
After Kitingan denied involvement in the mining scandal, Tei disclosed two documents to back his allegation.
Below are the screenshots of the WhatsApp conversations:
- Mkini

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