KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into allegations that a Singaporean businessman was a key financier in a corruption scandal involving mineral mining licences in Sabah.
Sources familiar with the matter said the probe was initiated following a viral article on social media that claimed the tycoon had channelled funds to individuals with vested interests in the mining deal, local media reported.
The MACC is currently reviewing the information and is expected to summon several witnesses to assist in its preliminary investigation.
When contacted, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that a formal investigation has begun.
The allegations, which have circulated widely online, were first published by a news portal and have raised further questions over possible foreign involvement in Sabah’s natural resource management.
Police report lodged over alleged defamatory remarks
In a separate development, a police report has been filed against businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing for allegedly making defamatory and insulting remarks against Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The report was lodged by the Chief Minister’s special officer, Datuk Mazlan Joehari Manan, at the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters on Tuesday (July 1).
Mazlan said the remarks made by Tei during a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu High Court compound on Monday (June 30) were not only “false and malicious” but also an attack on Hajiji’s dignity, the MACC, and the Attorney General’s Department.
“His remarks could be considered contempt of court or sub judice, as they interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings,” Mazlan said, adding that the report was made to facilitate a full investigation and potential legal action against Tei.
Tei claims scapegoating over Sabah graft charges
Tei, who has been identified as “Albert” in a series of whistleblower videos, is currently facing two charges under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 for allegedly offering RM350,000 in bribes to two Sabah assemblymen.
The businessman, who is based in Selangor, was released on RM60,000 bail with RM15,000 deposited under one local surety. The MACC Special Corruption Court set August 5 for pre-trial case management.
Speaking to reporters after his court appearance, Tei claimed he was being punished for exposing corruption among high-ranking individuals.
“I’m just an ikan bilis, but I’ve been caught and charged. What about the sharks?” he said, expressing frustration that those he accused remain untouched.
He alleged that apart from the two individuals charged alongside him — Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Andi Suryandy Bandy and Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, who is also chairman of Qhazanah Sabah Bhd — seven other politicians were also involved.
Tei claimed to have submitted supporting evidence to the MACC since October last year and questioned the delay in prosecuting the case.
“When we challenge the powerful, even the whistleblower gets dragged to court. Who will dare come forward next?” he asked, warning that such actions send a chilling message to potential whistleblowers.
He also pointed to irregularities in the way his case was handled, saying he was only given two weeks’ notice before being charged — a departure from what he claimed to be standard MACC procedure.
“Who am I? Just a small fry. Why the special two-week wait? What were they discussing behind closed doors?” he asked.
Tei suggested that the charges against him were designed to pressure him into silence and hinder further investigation.
“I know what they’re thinking. They want to burden me, so that I’ll stay quiet. I know what their game is,” he said. “Today you charge two people. I will get bail. Tomorrow, another two more, and I will pay bail… you will continue to line them up… is this right?”
He further alleged that his life may be at risk.
“If anything untoward happens to me after this — if I’m killed, kidnapped, or go missing — look for those 10 people. I have no enemies, except those 10,” he warned.
Despite the legal challenges, Tei expressed readiness to fight the charges in court.
His lawyer Edward Paul described the case as unusual. “This is rare, but we are ready. He is courageous and prepared to clear his name both as an accused and as a whistleblower,” he said.
Tei had previously released several videos online, accusing senior Sabah politicians of accepting bribes in exchange for facilitating his applications for mining prospecting licences. He also reportedly sought witness protection last year after naming eight leaders from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition. – June 2, 2025