This Is Business Not Politics Rm500k Linked To Sindumin Rep

---

 


EXCLUSIVE | The whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal has released screenshots of WhatsApp messages, along with details of the time and location of transactions allegedly tied to a payment of half a million ringgit to Sindumin assemblyperson Yusof Yacob.
Yusof is also the chairperson of the state-owned Qazanah Sabah Bhd.
The whistleblower claimed that the RM500,000 is allegedly part of the RM1 million promised for a mineral exploration licence allegedly “gifted” to the assemblyperson in exchange for supporting Chief Minister Hajiji Noor during the 2023 political crisis in the state.
The WhatsApp screenshots of their purported conversation revealed that the whistleblower had pressed for the sum to be returned as he was coming under pressure from investors.
One of the responses stated: “I will arrange, Datuk (referring to the whistleblower). Don’t worry. Where am I going to run to? This is a business deal. Nothing to do with politics.”
Previously, Malaysiakini published a video of Yusof, who during a discussion with the whistleblower about the amount, also implicated the chief minister.
Proxy appointed
The recording also featured another individual, identified as Fong, who is claimed to be the assemblyperson’s proxy.
The whistleblower claimed that Yusof also received a 15 percent share “for free” in the company that submitted the mineral exploration licence application in return for his assistance.
Yusof had appointed “Fong” as the official shareholder of the 15 percent stake in the company, which is registered with the Companies Commission.
The whistleblower claimed that 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 mineral exploration license approvals.
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 Yusof, 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.


RM500k in cash
According to the whistleblower, RM200,000 in cash was delivered on March 6, 2023, around 2pm at Hilton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.
On April 28, 2023, around 12pm at Kopi Ping Cafe, Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu, a representative named “Lau” allegedly handed over another RM200,000 in cash to “Fong”.
The remaining RM100,000 was given in cash on July 12, 2023, around 3pm at Hilton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.
Malaysiakini has contacted Yusof for a response. - Mkini

---