Citing Osa Shafee Asks How Cm Knew Of Whistleblower S Macc Statement

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Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, the senior lawyer representing the whistleblower in the alleged corruption scandal involving Sabah's political figures, has questioned how Chief Minister Hajiji Noor became aware of his client’s statement to MACC.
Shafee’s client had released several videos implicating the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition members.
The lawyer expressed “shock and curiosity” over how the chief minister obtained the details, emphasising that such information is confidential and falls under the purview of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
He described the chief minister’s “confession” as an “abuse of power”, particularly in an investigation involving his administration.
“Who informed the chief minister that my client did not admit to giving bribes when questioned by MACC, especially when this information should be considered an official secret?
“To clarify, my client neither denied nor admitted anything. He responded in a neutral manner following my advice to avoid self-incrimination,” Shafee told Malaysiakini.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji NoorThe lawyer argued that the chief minister’s remarks reinforced his client’s concern that, in investigations involving politicians, “even secret discussions and statements are not immune to leaks to the very people who ought to be under investigation”.
Shafee’s comments followed a TikTok video in which Hajiji, during a speech, claimed that he was “informed” the whistleblower “did not admit to doing it” when MACC questioned the businessperson.
“Imagine, he was summoned but did not admit,” the chief minister remarked in the video.
Hajiji also accused critics of orchestrating a “well-planned plot” to undermine his administration, claiming the videos were part of a campaign to spread lies and slander.
‘Daring and laughable claim’
In response, Shafee countered: “The chief minister obviously obtained the information illegally and in breach of official secrets. He either twisted the facts to his benefit or lacked an understanding of the nuances in my client’s statement.
Hajiji’s assertion that his assemblypersons did not solicit bribes was dismissed by Shafee as a “daring and laughable claim”.
In the video, believed to have been recorded at a Christmas event last night, Hajiji acknowledged that it would be unrealistic to claim that no political party or politician has ever received “political funds”.
“I conveyed this to the prime minister last week. Everyone understands that political funding is not wrong. How can a political party function without financial contributions from those who can afford it?
“If we were to rely solely on the salaries of elected representatives, there wouldn’t even be enough to eat,” Hajiji said.
Shafee criticised this argument, calling it absurd.
“Claiming political donations as justification is downright silly. I suggest those involved reread the landmark Harun Idris’ (former Selangor menteri besar) case to understand the difference between legitimate political donations and outright bribery,” he added.
Malaysiakini has contacted the chief minister’s office for comment.
The whistleblower had reiterated that the money exchanged was not political funding but alleged bribes given to secure support for his application for a mining exploration licence.
“I mentioned to these assemblypersons that the money came from investors and that I had signed an agreement with them. The videos speak for themselves,” he said. - Mkini

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