No Projects No Kemasukan Rm400k Linked To Kuamut 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 and location of transactions allegedly tied to a payment of RM400,000 to Kuamut assemblyperson Masiung Banah.
Masiung is also the chairperson of the state housing and urban development board.
In the alleged WhatsApp conversation, the whistleblower had pressed for the sum to be returned after the cancellation of a mineral exploration licence. The businessperson stated that he was coming under pressure from the investors.
Asked if RM100,000 could be returned first, the responses read: “Difficult to look for money so early in the year. Projects have not come out” and “I still have no kemasukan (nothing has come in). Where am I to look for (it)? I have no projects yet.”
The whistleblower claimed that the RM400,000 was part of RM1 million promised in return for a mineral exploration licence.
He alleged that Masiung also requested a 10 percent “free of charge” share in the company that applied for the mineral exploration licence in return for his assistance.
The assemblyperson purportedly appointed a proxy named “Willy”, 39, as the official shareholder of the 10 percent stake in the company, which is registered with the Companies Commission.
Previously, Malaysiakini published a video of Masiung discussing the RM400,000 with the whistleblower. The assemblyperson claimed the video was edited.
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 the licences.
Not political donation
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 Masiung, 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.
Aide claims ‘one-sided’ screenshots ‘edited’
When contacted, Masiung’s aide Willy Frous Darinsok alluded to the WhatsApp conversations and claimed the screenshots were “edited” to only show a “one-sided” story.
“The so-called ‘proof’ is inaccurate… he (whistleblower) did not share the remaining conversations… only the ones ‘negative’ to Datuk Masiung.
“The ones he ‘forced’ Datuk, he didn’t show,” Willy said.
He claimed Masiung had never solicited payment and was instead approached by the whistleblower with offers for “political donations”.
Willy also reiterated that Masiung had lodged an MACC report against the whistleblower.
“He gave all the information to MACC,” said Willy.
On the whistleblower’s claim that Masiung had requested a 10 percent share in the company, Willy confirmed that he was the alleged “proxy” referred to in a Sept 13 WhatsApp conversation.
“Yes true, but Datuk did not request. He (whistleblower) offered, ‘forced’ me to send my documents,” Willy claimed.
“I already asked to exit the company earlier this year,” he added.
RM400,000 cash payment
According to the whistleblower, the RM400,000 payment to Masiung was delivered in two parts.
He alleged that the first RM200,000 in cash was received on April 27, 2023, around 12pm at E-West Club, Taman Friendly Phase 4, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A representative named “Lau” handed over the money to Masiung.
The businessperson claimed the remaining RM200,000 was paid in cash on July 12, 2023, around 1pm at Delicious Curry House Restaurant, Taman Ridgeview, Kepayan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Malaysiakini has contacted Masiung for a response. - Mkini

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