The whistleblower, who grabbed headlines over an alleged corruption scandal in Sabah, appealed to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to review the evidence he possessed and decide if he should be accorded protection.

In an open letter to the monarch, the businessperson, for the first time, confessed that he had given the alleged bribes to the eight state assemblypersons.

“I solemnly swear that, in my state of distress, I had no choice but to give bribes to the eight YBs. The GLC’s CEO confirmed to me that licenses would only be issued if a YB backed the applicant, while even companies with the highest scores would not be considered without such support.

“Together with this letter, I enclose a video from the CEO of the GLC for His Majesty’s attention and investigation.

“This video is not one of the eight HD videos of the YBs but rather of the former chief executive officer of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, Mr Jontih Enggihon, condemning the (alleged) abuse of power by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, recorded with his consent.

“I swear that, at the time, I was desperate and saw no alternative, as I had already invested heavily in preparation for the mineral exploration project and had incurred debts with investors, facing no other way to obtain the licenses than to bribe these YBs,” he added in the letter.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor

The whistleblower, who apologised for concealing his identity for security reasons, also apologised for penning an open letter through the media.

“I have no other means to bring it to His Majesty’s attention. I previously attempted in good faith to expose this case through MACC.

“I humbly apologise if this letter inconveniences His Majesty. However, due to the urgent circumstances and having no other recourse, I am compelled to appeal directly to His Majesty, as I have received a death threat warning me of assassination within 24 hours,” he added.

The whistleblower reiterated that he possesses “solid evidence” of alleged corruption in the state with regard to the licensing process by a government-linked company.

“I possess substantial evidence, including WhatsApp conversation screenshots with the implicated YBs, various documents, and HD video clips in which the eight YBs acknowledge receiving the bribes.

“Additionally, I have an HD video confession from the CEO of the GLC, admitting that the issuance of the license was bribery orchestrated by the state leader to gain the YBs’ support and secure his leadership,” he alleged.

Stating that while he is prepared to serve as an official complainant and will hand over all the evidence, the whistleblower is concerned that the evidence provided might be used to prosecute him instead due to the strong political influence of the implicated state leader and assemblypersons.

“I am willing to cooperate fully but request protection, ensuring that the evidence I provide is not used against me.

“For His Majesty’s information, I have appointed a lawyer to negotiate with the MACC for written assurance that any evidence and information I provide will not be used to prosecute me. This assurance must be irrevocable. My lawyer has spent over two weeks attempting to secure this written guarantee, which I am waiting for before releasing all the evidence, currently in my sole possession.

“Regrettably, despite my lawyer sending two letters to the MACC, one to the prime minister, and attending three meetings at the MACC headquarters, MACC remains steadfast in refusing to provide written protection until I personally present myself with the evidence. The MACC also maintains that any protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 could be revoked.

“I humbly implore His Majesty to investigate this matter and give a directive to provide written assurance of protection, as requested, including an irrevocable guarantee. I sincerely believe that such protection is warranted and should be considered by His Majesty, the prime minister, and MACC, as it would eliminate uncertainty over immunity for whistleblowers,” he added.

The whistleblower, who pointed out that he had received a death threat even though his identity was never disclosed to the authorities, said he is concerned about his safety.

“I am also very concerned that I could be detained and prosecuted while the implicated YBs go free if I present the evidence without receiving a written assurance first.

“Although the MACC verbally assured my lawyer that no informants have been prosecuted in the past, including cases where the informant was also the one offering bribes, I still harbour great concerns about prosecution without such an assurance in writing due to the political power and influence of the involved YBs.

“I humbly hope that His Majesty can understand my decision to appoint a lawyer to negotiate with the MACC and my unwillingness to place my safety and that of my family at risk.

“This demonstrates my dedication to exposing this corruption and proves that I possess strong evidence and credible allegations. If my evidence was neither solid nor credible, I would not waste resources hiring legal representation or appeal for His Majesty’s assistance in securing the requested written guarantee,” he added.

The whistleblower said he believes that if the Agong intervenes, it would encourage more whistleblowers to come forward.

“I firmly believe that if the corruption of these eight YBs can be exposed, it would enhance the integrity of both the government and MACC, not only in the eyes of Malaysians but also internationally.

“I deeply regret my misguided involvement in this bribery, but given my genuine desire to expose these YBs, even at the risk of my own and my family’s lives, the MACC should see this as an opportunity to combat the corrupt practices among YBs in our beloved country.

“I humbly and sincerely believe that if protection is extended to one individual, under duress, it would reveal the corrupt practices of eight YBs and deserves consideration by His Majesty, the prime minister, and MACC,” he added.

The whistleblower said while he understands MACC’s position that such immunity has never been granted before, he is hoping that the Agong would recognise the gravity of the alleged scandal.

“The (former) CEO’s confession video attached to this letter further proves that I possess solid evidence. This CEO has expressed readiness to testify in exposing this corruption…

“I am willing to present all eight HD videos to His Majesty before handing them to the MACC so that His Majesty can personally evaluate the evidence and investigate my disclosure.

“I have no other recourse and thus humbly appeal to His Majesty, having tried for two weeks to negotiate with the MACC and express my willingness to cooperate, yet received disappointing responses,” he added.

The whistleblower said he felt compelled to reveal the alleged corruption to prevent these elected representatives from “extorting” other businesspersons in the future.

“I humbly seek His Majesty’s protection, trusting in His Majesty’s stance on fighting corruption.

“I humbly assert that I am just an ordinary citizen with no other place to appeal but to seek protection from His Majesty. The words of His Majesty during his installation, where he resolutely vowed to fight the corruption haunting our country for decades, continue to echo in my mind, strengthening my resolve.

“I believe the corrupt actions of these YBs have tarnished the nation’s sovereignty and honour, and they must be brought to justice as an example to all YBs and politicians, restoring our country’s respect on the world stage.

“I believe His Majesty, the prime minister, and MACC should seize this opportunity to combat corruption, and I am willing to expose the corruption of these eight YBs even though my life and that of my family are now in danger,” he added.

The whistleblower also beseeched the Agong to grant an audience to his lawyer Mohamad Izwan Azmi.

Below is the BM letter in full:

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