'When, how, where' - RM500k linked to Musa Aman's son-in-law
Malaysiakini Team
Published: Dec 26, 2024 6:07 PM
Summary
- Whistleblower alleges that RM500,000 was paid to Sabah state minister Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, with WhatsApp messages and transaction details as evidence.
- Arifin was allegedly offered 16 percent free shares in the applicant company, with a proxy named “Mr A” registered as the official shareholder.
- Whistleblower plans to file a report with MACC, presenting further evidence to refute claims that the funds were political donations.
EXCLUSIVE | The whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal has unveiled screenshots of WhatsApp messages, along with details of the time and location of transactions allegedly tied to a payment of RM500,000 to state Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Mohd Arifin Arif.
Arifin is also the assemblyperson for Membakut and the son-in-law of the newly appointed Sabah governor, Musa Aman.
The whistleblower claimed that following negotiations, he managed to knock down the alleged asking price of RM3 million to RM1.5 million for a mineral exploration licence approved by the chief minister.
He claimed that Arifin was also offered 16 percent of shares "for free" in the company that applied for the licence.
The whistleblower alleged that a 68-year-old proxy known as “Mr A” was appointed as the official 16 percent shareholder in the company, which is registered with the Companies Commission.
The businessperson claimed that he had repeatedly complained to “Mr A” that the money was an advance from investors to obtain approval for the mineral exploration licence.
Previously, Malaysiakini published a video of Arifin discussing the RM500,000 with the whistleblower.
The whistleblower claimed that several assemblypersons were bribed to secure mining exploration licences.
He further alleged that the funds were an advance from investors, provided specifically to facilitate the bribes necessary for obtaining mineral exploration licence approvals.
Not political donations
On Tuesday, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, announced that his client had decided to release WhatsApp messages and other supporting “evidence” to refute claims that the funds were political donations.
The senior lawyer added that his client plans to file a report with the MACC and submit further evidence in his possession.
Below are the details of the alleged transactions involving Arifin, and the WhatsApp screenshots.
He further alleged that the funds were an advance from investors, provided specifically to facilitate the bribes necessary for obtaining mineral exploration licence approvals.
Not political donations
On Tuesday, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, announced that his client had decided to release WhatsApp messages and other supporting “evidence” to refute claims that the funds were political donations.
The senior lawyer added that his client plans to file a report with the MACC and submit further evidence in his possession.
Below are the details of the alleged transactions involving Arifin, and the WhatsApp screenshots.
Malaysiakini has redacted the last five digits of the assemblyperson’s mobile phone number, but it can confirm that the number is his.
RM500,000 in cash
According to the whistleblower, RM200,000 in cash was allegedly delivered to Arifin on April 8, 2023, around 12.30am at Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA, Kuala Lumpur. Arifin and his brother had just purportedly returned from Malacca at the time and were scheduled to leave for Sabah the next day.
Another RM300,000 in cash was allegedly given on June 27, 2023, around 10pm at Oldtown White Coffee in Likas, Kota Kinabalu. A person known as “Mr A” was allegedly present and witnessed the money being handed over.
Malaysiakini has contacted Arifin for a response.
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