Six additional politicians face accusations of taking bribes during a mining permit scandal that has rocked Sabah state. MalaysiaKini reported the allegations against members from two local political parties. An unnamed source provided screenshots from a video recording that apparently shows evidence of the corruption scheme. The source claims to have WhatsApp messages and documents that prove money changed hands between officials and business interests. Total bribes allegedly reached 3.96 million ringgit among the six accused politicians.
One politician reportedly received the largest payment of 1.78 million ringgit from those seeking mining permits. Two others each collected 600,000 ringgit for their assistance with license applications. The remaining three politicians allegedly accepted smaller amounts of 530,000 ringgit, 300,000 ringgit and 150,000 ringgit respectively. These payments occurred between 2023 and 2024 according to the anonymous whistleblower. The corruption centered around helping companies obtain mineral exploration permits from government agencies.
The latest revelations bring the total number of implicated politicians to 15 people across the state. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki announced plans to file formal charges against some suspects. Two state assembly members and one businessman will face court proceedings later this month. The commission continues investigating the widespread scheme that allegedly involved multiple government officials. Prosecutors expect to bring additional cases as evidence gathering continues across Sabah.
One politician reportedly received the largest payment of 1.78 million ringgit from those seeking mining permits. Two others each collected 600,000 ringgit for their assistance with license applications. The remaining three politicians allegedly accepted smaller amounts of 530,000 ringgit, 300,000 ringgit and 150,000 ringgit respectively. These payments occurred between 2023 and 2024 according to the anonymous whistleblower. The corruption centered around helping companies obtain mineral exploration permits from government agencies.
The latest revelations bring the total number of implicated politicians to 15 people across the state. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki announced plans to file formal charges against some suspects. Two state assembly members and one businessman will face court proceedings later this month. The commission continues investigating the widespread scheme that allegedly involved multiple government officials. Prosecutors expect to bring additional cases as evidence gathering continues across Sabah.
