A businessman has accused several senior Sabah leaders of being involved in bribery and abuse of power.

Claiming to possess secret video recordings of the alleged bribery deals, the businessman sought whistleblower protection status before providing the authorities with all the recordings.

Admitting to also being the person who gave the alleged bribes to the politicians, the businessman, who remains anonymous, has appealed to both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for protection.

The businessman claimed that he had paid the bribes in a desperate attempt to secure a mining project in which he had already made a significant investment. While he had initially gotten the licence for the project, it was later rescinded.

Beginning November 11, online news portal Malaysiakini began releasing a series of videos and audio implicating several assemblymen, many from the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.

On November 11, Malaysiakini uploaded a 17-second audio clip of a politician discussing whether he could return RM500,000 in purported bribes to the businessman in instalments.

While the identity of the politician was not disclosed, Sinar Harian had reported that there were allegations that Sindumin assemblyman Yusof Yacob was the politician in the clip.

Yusof later issued a denial that it was him and claimed the audio could have been generated by artificial intelligence.

On November 12, Malaysiakini released a video in which former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer accused state chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor of abusing his powers. He claimed Hajiji was looking out for the interests of one contractor.

Earlier that day, Hajiji had denied any involvement in the corruption scandal. However, on November 17, Enggihon claimed he had evidence to support his claims.

On November 13, the businessman’s taped conversation with Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang was released in which they had discussed using the politician’s child’s name for a mining project after the businessman’s earlier licence was rescinded.

In the video, Rubin allegedly said that Hajiji had granted him “one” instead of “two” but is grateful nonetheless. He did not specify what he was talking about but the subtitles in the video claimed the conversation was pertaining to licences.

Rubin later said the video had showed no elements of corruption.

Later, on November 16, the whistleblower accused Rubin of receiving a coal mining licence in 2023 as a reward for supporting Hajiji. Rubin declined to comment, citing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations.

On November 14, Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari is heard in a video complaining about projects being “blocked” by someone believed to be Hajiji. Arsad also appears to blame Sabah finance minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun for what happened.

The businessman claimed that the edited version does not contain a part about money purportedly changing hands for the assemblyman to support the businessman’s project.

In response, Arsad claimed the video was maliciously edited and that he was only speaking sarcastically.

On November 15, a video excerpt was released in which Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya appears to claim that Hajiji is aware of the extent of alleged kickbacks to elected representatives. Shahelmey has refused to comment on the video so far.

MACC has confirmed it is investigating the case.