Lawyer of Sabah whistleblower pleas for protection after Ling's abduction

Summary

• Lawyer Mahajoth Singh urges authorities to protect whistleblower “Albert” following the abduction of Pamela Ling, citing grave risks to his safety.

• He criticises existing whistleblower laws as restrictive and ineffective, saying Albert’s case shows systemic failure.

• Authorities have denied Albert protection due to his alleged involvement and for not reporting the alleged corruption first to official channels.

The lawyer for the whistleblower behind the alleged Sabah corruption scandal has reiterated the call for the government to provide him with whistleblower protection.

This followed the abduction of Pamela Ling while she was en route to MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya to assist a money laundering investigation.

The lawyer, Mahajoth Singh, said Ling’s abduction sends a chilling message, and asked how his client, identified only as Albert, can feel safe while in possession of evidence implicating VVIPs.

“We are constantly urged by government officials to be brave, to expose corruption, and to stand on the side of justice, all while being assured that the system will protect us.

“But how can we trust that protection exists when the very mechanisms intended to safeguard whistleblowers are encumbered by restrictive conditions, procedural shortcomings, and a lack of independent oversight?

“Albert’s situation exemplifies the failure of these institutional protections. Meanwhile, he holds vital evidence that could have profound implications, placing him in an increasingly dangerous and untenable position.

“Shouldn’t the MACC prioritise the protection of whistleblowers like Albert, whose cooperation is a national service and crucial for the success of their investigation?” he said in a statement today.

‘Abdication of duty’

He said MACC, the police, and other relevant authorities should take comprehensive measures to ensure Albert’s safety.

“Anything less would be a clear abdication of the state’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect its citizens.

“Albert remains fully committed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, but he cannot, and must not, be expected to do so at the expense of his life, liberty, and security,” he added.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Whistleblower Protection Act 2010: What does it cover?

Ling, 42, was reportedly abducted from a Grab ride while she was nearing the MACC’s headquarters on April 9 by individuals who were reportedly wearing police uniforms. However, the incident only became public knowledge on May 2.

Police are investigating the case from various angles, including whether the perpetrators are real police officers or imposters, and whether her husband, businessperson Thomas Hah, was involved.

Protection denied

Previously, Albert had sought whistleblower protection for information implicating various Sabah politicians in discussions about bribes in exchange for their support in Albert’s application for a mining exploration licence.

This was rejected on the grounds that, under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, a person involved in the offence they’re exposing is not eligible for whistleblower protection.

In addition, the law requires the person to expose the information to the authorities first, rather than going to the media. De facto law minister Azalina Othman Said has indicated that the government has no plans to change this.

Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor had dismissed Albert’s allegations as part of a campaign to tarnish his administration’s reputation ahead of the state election.

The businessperson is also accused of being part of a cartel seeking to monopolise mining activities in Sabah.

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