EXCLUSIVE | VIDEOS INSIDE | The whistleblower has released seven full recordings of his discussions with different assemblypersons. He alleged that the sums involved were bribes given to the politicians to support his application for a mineral exploration licence.

In this second part, there are two videos. Malaysiakini has contacted those implicated and the chief minister’s office for comment.

Video 3

‘RM450k used to settle debts’

This recording is of state industrial development and entrepreneurship assistant minister Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy. He is also the MP for Kalabakan and state assemblyperson for Tanjung Batu.

Based on the information, the video was purportedly recorded at his ministry on Jan 2 this year.

The video begins with the whistleblower showing the assistant minister documents on the cancellation of his mineral exploration licence.

Following this, the discussion shifted to the money that purportedly changed hands.

Andi is informed that the businessperson’s partner had promised to fork out RM1.5 million for the licence, of which RM1 million would be allegedly given to the assistant minister.

“He (the partner) has given 30 percent, which is RM450,000. I have submitted the amount to Datuk (the assistant minister).

“Even if you return the money to me, it is still a problem because we have signed the agreement. This is what confounds me,” said the whistleblower.

Following this, he inquired if the assistant minister had spent the RM450,000 and the latter replied: “Yes. I just finished the election, ‘bayar hutang’ (paid debts)...”

“I just finished the election, still have debts, that is why I was really hoping for this,” he said, pointing to the documents on his table.

The whistleblower revealed that he had “signed” the agreement.

“That is what makes me frustrated, makes me angry, because I signed the agreement. If I did not sign, I would not care… No need to involve me in this.

“Because this is your ‘barang’ (thing), I gave you cash. If I did not sign, I would not care,” he added.

Believed to be in reference to the chief minister, the whistleblower suggested that Hajiji had “used” the assistant minister.

“Yes, I see it that way as well…,” the assemblyperson replied, noting the change in stance towards the licence application.

The whistleblower also complained that the chief minister chose to cancel the licence despite approving it earlier.

He argued that there was no reason to cancel the licence since everything was in order and the remarks were favourable.

Agreeing, the assistant minister said: “Hmm, why ahh? This is what I want to know. This is not logical.”

Andi then mentioned deputy chief minister II, state Works Minister Shahelmey Yahya and Tempasuk assemblyperson Arsad Mohd Bistari, saying: “People have no mood.”

“Everyone feels ‘sakit hati’ (upset),” the whistleblower added, to which the assistant minister said: “Ohh… sakit (hurts), I need to pay debts.”

In a text message to Malaysiakini, Andi said he does not wish to comment as the matter is still under investigation.

Previously, the whistleblower had released edited versions of videos featuring Shahelmey and Arsad.

In those videos, Shahelmey indicated that the chief minister knew of the “portions” for all assemblypersons while Arsad had lamented about a “RM70 million project being blocked”.

Video 4

‘I can return RM500k, but we appeal, CM promised me’

This is a recording of state Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Arifin Arif, who is also the assemblyperson for Membakut.

Based on the video, the discussion, which involved a third person whose face and voice are not discernible, purportedly took place at an Old Town White Coffee outlet in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, on Jan 3 this year.

As the third person talked about “dana” (funds), explaining that it included funds from the whistleblower and investors, Arifin volunteered to return the sum given to him.

“As for the funds with me, I have it on standby. I can return it to Dato (the whistleblower),” he said.

Arifin also indicated he would appeal to the chief minister to reconsider the licence.

“Our plan is to prepare an appeal letter, I will bring it to the chief minister. Subsequently, the chief minister can ‘minute with the Jabatan Tanah (land and surveys department) to reconsider.

“... I will tell him (the chief minister), ‘buang’ (discard) the others, delete the others, just this one, just one (application from the whistleblower),” he added.

When the conversation shifted to money and the whistleblower mentioned RM500,000, Arifin asked: “Is mine RM500,000?”

The whistleblower then provided an alleged breakdown of the payments.

“The first (payment of) RM200,000 (was made) when we were at the hotel in KL at (KLIA). Then the (remaining) RM300,000 here (in Sabah),” the whistleblower said, to which Arifin said he now remembered.

The minister then advised the whistleblower to make such payments after “all the work is completed” for future projects.

When the whistleblower said he was not too concerned about the funds, the minister disagreed, saying: ”Cannot, you brought it... Furthermore, during Hari Raya.”

After reiterating that he would “stand by” the sum, Arifin spoke about the plan to coax Hajiji into reconsidering.

“... Our plan, we will draft an appeal letter. Then I will bring his ‘minutes’ … I will say he made a personal promise to me,” he said, which according to the subtitles, purportedly referred to Hajiji.

Our quality, investigative journalism needs your support. Contact us at +60 17-323 0707 to be our lifetime subscriber, or renew your package now. You can also gift a subscription to a friend. Alternatively, donate here.