'Farhash-linked scandal': Probe alleged graft, not info leak, C4 says

In light of the latest exposé involving another mining scandal in Sabah, C4 Center urged MACC to investigate the matter directly.

The NGO also pointed out that the anti-graft agency should focus its probe on the alleged corruption, not investigate how the information was disseminated to the public.

“This distracts from the goal of uncovering and curbing actual corruption taking place within the government administration, and positions information providers as equally wrong for not using proper channels to reveal information,” it said in a statement today.

Yesterday, MalaysiaNow published an audio clip tied to the allegation that a coal mining exploration licence in Sabah was approved for a company linked to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak.

According to the report, the recording was purportedly from a meeting in May 2024 involving the Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) board, which is chaired by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

The clip has been uploaded to YouTube and TikTok.

Malaysiakini has contacted SMM CEO Natasha Sim and the Chief Minister’s Office for comments.

MalaysiaNow claimed that the recording proved Hajiji had voiced support for the company - Bumi Suria Sdn Bhd - linked to Farhash but there was purportedly some reservation expressed by state secretary Safar Untong.

"But the area is too big, Datuk Seri, 70,000ha," a voice is heard saying, which MalaysiaNow attributed to Safar.

However, another voice - which the report claimed was Hajiji’s - responded: "Yes, we will get to that later. The important thing is that we approve its application."

‘Not the first time’

Lamenting the situation, C4 reminded the authorities that this latest exposé comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Sabah whistleblower scandal, which saw several assemblypersons being implicated in a corruption scandal.

Touching on Farhash, the NGO pointed out that it is not the first time the former has come under public scrutiny.

“In September 2024, Bloomberg released a report citing three sources who claimed Anwar had ordered MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki not to investigate Farhash over the latter’s purchase of shares in HeiTech Padu Bhd,” it added.

C4 was referring to a report on Sept 26 last year, citing three sources who claimed that Anwar had ordered Azam not to investigate Farhash over the latter’s purchase of shares in HeiTech.

The technology services provider is linked to the development of a new immigration system costing RM1 billion.

In March, reports claimed that Farhash allegedly invested nearly RM40 million in the company, after it had been shortlisted for the government contract.

Stressing the seriousness of the allegations, C4 said it implicates individuals who are part of the ruling coalition and those associated with the prime minister himself.

The NGO added that there is also a growing concern among the public about the seriousness of the Madani administration in combating graft.

“The Sabah state government corruption scandal saw student groups take to the streets to call for decisive action against the perpetrators, but instead, they faced harassment and intimidation from the authorities.

“Along with long-standing criticism of the MACC’s lack of independence and its alleged use to initiate selective prosecutions to further political goals, discontent towards the current administration’s handling of corruption is reaching an all-time high.”

On July 21, when the allegations first surfaced, SMM denied that any company linked to Farhash was granted a prospecting licence in the state.

Sim said that based on records, no companies owned or linked to Farhash had been awarded such a licence.

Farhash also issued a denial, as well as a cease and desist letter against MalaysiaNow over its article, which made the allegation.

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