I couldn't breathe, so I fought back - Sabah whistleblower

Summary

• The businessperson, who released the damning videos, speaks to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.

• The whistleblower also reveals that he was “sabotaged” by a local business warlord.

The whistleblower behind the Sabah corruption scandal said that when he chose to expose the videos, some called him courageous while others branded him insane.

In an interview with former law minister Zaid Ibrahim published on YouTube, the 36-year-old businessperson, identified as Albert, described his actions as an act of desperation.

“I am not brave or crazy. I have been pushed against the wall. I can’t breathe anymore, so I was forced to fight back,” he explained.

Albert also expressed hope that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would take the matter seriously, despite Zaid pointing out that the premier has not acted on the case thus far.

Referring to Anwar’s anti-corruption rhetoric, Albert said he learned the word “sakau” (steal) from the prime minister’s speeches.

“He (the prime minister) always emphasises this, so I plead with him to take action… I hope the prime minister supports what I am doing, where I am putting my life on the line,” the businessperson added, referencing a death threat he received.

Kuala Lumpur-based Albert also accused a local “business warlord” in Sabah of “sabotaging” him, though he did not elaborate or name the individual.

“In Sabah, there are timber tycoons. Warlords. I know who sabotaged me.

“I had meetings with some of the timber tycoons, and they told me, ‘I have been here for decades, you have come here to earn a living, you should pay your respects to me’.

“There were also requests for free shares up to 50 percent in the company (applying for the mineral exploration licences) as a condition to enter some areas,” he added.

Rich getting richer

While asserting that his actions were not politically motivated, Albert said he wanted the people of Sabah to understand the reality of the situation in their state.

“The small group of rich people are getting richer while the large group of poor people are getting poorer… the people are suffering, the wages are low, but the price of food, whether rice or vegetables, is expensive.

“So, I hope the people of Sabah realise about their leaders in this case (which he had exposed).”

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has accused Albert of colluding with vested interests to undermine his administration.

Albert is also under investigation for allegedly being part of a cartel seeking to monopolise mining activities in the state.

In a post on X yesterday, Zaid referred to the case of Pamela Ling while expressing support for Albert to receive protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

“The Sabah whistleblower contacted me to tell his side of the story regarding the alleged Sabah mineral licensing scandal.

“He feels that the public should be aware of the full extent of his involvement with the Sabah case, as that will persuade the government to give him protection.

“I am not sure he will get protection from this government that proclaimed itself as anti-corruption, but I agreed to talk to him nevertheless. You might be interested in listening to his story if he decides to release it,” he added.

On April 29, Albert handed over a phone containing WhatsApp messages related to the case and nearly 300 pages of evidence to the MACC.

Earlier that day, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the forensic analysis of 10 video clips implicating Hajiji and the assemblypersons submitted to the commission on March 11 should be completed the following week.

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