Mining group wants protection for 'Albert', cites Ling and Beng Hock's cases

Summary

• The Sabah Mining Operators Association calls on the government and MACC to provide protection for "Albert", the whistleblower who exposed an alleged corruption scandal involving mineral exploration licences in Sabah.

• The group emphasises that Albert is a key witness and draws comparisons to cases of Pamela Ling’s abduction and Teoh Beng Hock’s death, both involved in sensitive investigations.

The Sabah Mining Operators Association (PPGS) today called for whistleblower protection for one of its members who exposed an alleged corruption scandal in the state involving mineral exploration licences.

In a statement confirming that the whistleblower, known only as "Albert", is a member of the association, the group drew parallels with the abduction of Pamela Ling and the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

It stressed that, like in those cases, Albert (above, centre) is a key witness who must be afforded protection.

"Although the whistleblower case in Sabah is unrelated to the two incidents mentioned above, all three share a common thread: each individual was a key witness in a serious allegation against one or more influential or powerful figures under investigation by the MACC.

"In light of this, our association, PPGS, urges the government and MACC to immediately provide protection to the whistleblower, so as not to repeat the mistakes and confusion that surrounded the incidents involving Teoh and Ling," the association said.

On May 2, Ling’s family revealed that the 42-year-old Datin Seri was on her way to meet MACC investigators on April 9 to facilitate a money laundering investigation, but was abducted before she could reach her destination.

Her Grab driver on that day claimed that individuals wearing police uniforms stopped his vehicle, forced Ling to exit and told him to mark the ride as “completed”.

MACC has since denied any elements of harassment or misconduct in handling Ling’s case, emphasising that it has acted within the legal framework at every stage.

Teoh’s death

In 2009, Teoh, an aide to then-Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead after overnight questioning at Selangor MACC, which was then headquartered at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam.

A 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry ruled he was driven to suicide due to aggressive interrogation. An inquest into his death returned an open verdict. However, in 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled his death was caused or accelerated by unlawful acts, including those of MACC officers.

Police announced last week that Teoh's case has been classified as no further action. On May 20, the Criminal Investigation Department wrote to Teoh's family lawyer Ramkarpal Singh to inform him of the attorney-general's decision, which police said was determined on May 19.

Holding authorities accountable

"Should the government and MACC fail to manage this matter responsibly, the public will hold them accountable if any harm befalls the whistleblower," PPGS said, in referencing Teoh's and Ling's cases.

Albert lodged a police report early this month, saying he feared for his safety. He had also cited Ling's kidnapping as a basis for seeking government protection.

His legal team, including former MACC chief Latheefa Koya, highlighted death threats and the concerning parallels with Ling’s unresolved abduction.

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

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