SMM: Ex-CEO files report against successor over 'private jet' trip, 'abuse of power'
Shahrin Aizat Noorshahrizam
Published: Nov 29, 2024 11:17 PM
A police report was filed by the former CEO of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) Jontih Enggihon against his successor Natasha Sim, alleging abuse of power, corruption, and conflict of interest.
According to the report, Jontih (above, left) claimed that Sim accepted a lavish private jet trip in August from a prominent Indonesian company without disclosing it to SMM’s management or board.
The trip, estimated to cost RM400,000, allegedly involved Sim, her husband identified as timber trader Elbert Lim, and Lim’s two children.
The report also mentioned that Lim and the Indonesian company involved are said to be applying for a prospecting licence from SMM.
“This private trip was concealed by Sim for personal reasons, raising serious concerns of conflict of interest and a breach of corporate governance in a state-owned entity,” Jontih stated.
When reached by Malaysiakini, Sim denied all allegations made by Jontih, calling them malicious and intended to hurt her reputation.
Jontih Enggihon during an interview with Malaysiakini
“I categorically and unequivocally deny all allegations of wrongdoing against me. These are baseless and malicious allegations which appear to be a deliberate attempt intended to injure my character and reputation.
“I welcome and will give my full cooperation to any investigation in this matter,” she said.
‘Unqualified appointment’
Previously, Sim announced that the company is taking legal action against Jontih for allegedly acting beyond his authority to benefit “entities with potential conflict of interest”.
In the statement, the company claimed an internal investigation revealed breaches of fiduciary duties, alleged fraudulent activities, misrepresentation, or deception to SMM’s board of directors, and misconduct by Jontih.
The company is also exploring with lawyers over possible civil suits against its former CEO to seek compensation for its financial losses and reputation.
The company, however, did not provide further details on the actions that Jontih had allegedly committed.
In the report, Jontih also questioned Sim’s qualifications for the role of CEO, citing her lack of experience in the mineral, geological, and mining sectors.
Her appointment was made by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, which the report suggests warrants an investigation into potential misuse of power.
“I welcome and will give my full cooperation to any investigation in this matter,” she said.
‘Unqualified appointment’
Previously, Sim announced that the company is taking legal action against Jontih for allegedly acting beyond his authority to benefit “entities with potential conflict of interest”.
In the statement, the company claimed an internal investigation revealed breaches of fiduciary duties, alleged fraudulent activities, misrepresentation, or deception to SMM’s board of directors, and misconduct by Jontih.
The company is also exploring with lawyers over possible civil suits against its former CEO to seek compensation for its financial losses and reputation.
The company, however, did not provide further details on the actions that Jontih had allegedly committed.
In the report, Jontih also questioned Sim’s qualifications for the role of CEO, citing her lack of experience in the mineral, geological, and mining sectors.
Her appointment was made by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, which the report suggests warrants an investigation into potential misuse of power.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor
Jontih was recently featured in several Malaysiakini articles where he accused Hajiji of abusing his powers.
In a video recorded on Oct 1, Jontih claimed Hajiji as SMM’s chairperson interfered with the selection process of prospecting licences and was looking out for the interests of one contractor.
The video was among a slew of recordings being released by a whistleblower implicating various Sabah lawmakers in a corruption scandal.
Hajiji had denied involvement in the scandal and denounced it as a bid to undermine his administration.
READ MORE: Sabah reps' alleged corruption videos: What has happened so far
Jontih, meanwhile, denied colluding with the whistleblower but claimed to have evidence to substantiate his claims against Hajiji.
Hajiji is also SMM chairperson.
Additionally, Sim and another company official are accused of misleading the board during a meeting on May 14, 2024.
Malaysiakini has also contacted the official for comments on the allegations made against her.
Forging meeting minutes
Meanwhile, Jontih also claimed to possess audio recordings proving the falsification of meeting minutes, which allegedly violated board directives and falsely implicated the complainant.
“These actions constitute offences under Sections 420 (cheating) and 469 (forgery) of the Penal Code,” said Jontih, adding that Sim’s police and MACC reports were “false and malicious”, aimed at tarnishing his credibility and twisting facts.
“I have been defamed and victimised by Sim and another SMM official. I urge the police to investigate them thoroughly and bring them to justice,” he said.
When contacted, Kota Kinabalu district police chief Kasim Muda confirmed receiving Jontih’s report.
“Yes, received. Investigations are ongoing,” he told Malaysiakini in a text message.
Kasim, however, declined to reveal details of the probe, stating that a statement will be issued by Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun.
In a video recorded on Oct 1, Jontih claimed Hajiji as SMM’s chairperson interfered with the selection process of prospecting licences and was looking out for the interests of one contractor.
The video was among a slew of recordings being released by a whistleblower implicating various Sabah lawmakers in a corruption scandal.
Hajiji had denied involvement in the scandal and denounced it as a bid to undermine his administration.
READ MORE: Sabah reps' alleged corruption videos: What has happened so far
Jontih, meanwhile, denied colluding with the whistleblower but claimed to have evidence to substantiate his claims against Hajiji.
Hajiji is also SMM chairperson.
Additionally, Sim and another company official are accused of misleading the board during a meeting on May 14, 2024.
Malaysiakini has also contacted the official for comments on the allegations made against her.
Forging meeting minutes
Meanwhile, Jontih also claimed to possess audio recordings proving the falsification of meeting minutes, which allegedly violated board directives and falsely implicated the complainant.
“These actions constitute offences under Sections 420 (cheating) and 469 (forgery) of the Penal Code,” said Jontih, adding that Sim’s police and MACC reports were “false and malicious”, aimed at tarnishing his credibility and twisting facts.
“I have been defamed and victimised by Sim and another SMM official. I urge the police to investigate them thoroughly and bring them to justice,” he said.
When contacted, Kota Kinabalu district police chief Kasim Muda confirmed receiving Jontih’s report.
“Yes, received. Investigations are ongoing,” he told Malaysiakini in a text message.
Kasim, however, declined to reveal details of the probe, stating that a statement will be issued by Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun.
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