Chegubard vows to keep fighting, says unmoved by threats, millions in bribes

Port Dickson Bersatu chief, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, said he remains unmoved by threats, intimidation, and bribe offers worth millions of ringgit, following his exposé last month of a corruption case involving a senior army officer.

Badrul, also known as Chegubard, told reporters after an event today that he was dedicated to his “fight for justice” as a promise to his late father, according to Sinar Harian.

“I have been blackmailed, threatened, and I have even been offered bribes worth millions of ringgit,” he was quoted as saying.

Recalling how he held his father’s hands during his final moments, he also said that he promised to “bequeath” himself entirely to the fight for truth and justice.

“Everything I do, God willing, is an act of worship and good deeds. All of this serves as a companion for him in the hereafter. For the sake of Allah,” he stressed.

Badrul also noted that today marks the third anniversary of his father’s passing, which he describes as a turning point in his ongoing pursuit for justice.

“We were poor people. My father used to climb electricity poles for Tenaga Nasional Berhad, while my mother was a hospital cleaner,” he said.

‘I do this for the armed forces personnel’

Meanwhile, he also reiterated that his exposé was not for personal glory, but stemmed from genuine concerns towards the daily living conditions of many armed forces members.

The Bersatu leader described the various sights he saw at veteran homes as “heart-wrenching”, as many struggled to make ends meet.

“They face various challenges in their duties; going out to work, returning briefly just to eat and see their children, and then heading back out to duty again,” he said.

“At the same time, there are those at the top who are enjoying themselves - plundering, selling their positions, and using various means for their own personal interest,” he said.

Further, he assured he would continue speaking out and exposing future wrongdoings for the welfare of armed forces personnel and thanked whistleblowers from its ranks who offered their support.

“I offer my assurance that my sources’ identities would never be revealed. Even if I may be hung upside down, I would never reveal who they are,” he stressed.

Senior military officials implicated

Last month, Badrul had alleged that a forensic review of documents he received anonymously showed monthly transactions amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit credited into the accounts of a senior army officer and his family members.

His complaints led to army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan’s appointment as the next armed forces chief to be put on hold, despite the appointment having been decided at an Armed Forces Council meeting and receiving royal assent.

On Dec 29, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that the senior army officer is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

The commission also seized six bank accounts believed to be owned by a senior armed forces officer and his family.

Separately, Badrul also challenged National Defence Education Centre (NDEC) president Sabri Zali, whom the Bersatu leader had implicated, to sue him for the publication of documents and images that were allegedly falsified.

Badrul said Sabri was the focus of an exposé he conducted between May and August 2024, claiming that this prevented the latter from becoming a navy commander.

In response, Sabri said he will take legal action against the Bersatu man, adding that he would do the same against anyone who publishes or reposts defamatory statements about him.

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