Malaysian corruption scandal widens as Sabah lawmakers, whistle-blower plead not guilty
Malaysian state assemblymen and the businessman who accused them of corruption pleaded not guilty in court on Monday to charges linked to alleged bribes for a mining licence, in a high-profile case that has gripped the public since covert videos of the transactions surfaced online last year.
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The case has added pressure on Sabah's ruling coalition just months before an expected December election, fuelling concerns over the state's persistent corruption problems and raising questions about political accountability in one of Malaysia's poorest but most resource-rich regions.
Both assemblymen are members of the United Malays National Organisation, which is part of the ruling coalition.
Yusof Yacob was accused of accepting 200,000 ringgit (US$47,400) in cash on March 6, 2023, in exchange for helping to facilitate the approval of a mineral prospecting licence for Syarikat Nusa Kini. His counterpart, Andi Suryady Bandy, was charged with receiving 150,000 ringgit on May 12, 2023, to help Syarikat Sinaran Hayat obtain a similar licence.
Sabah assemblyman for Tanjung Batu, Andi Suryady Bandy. Facebook/Andi Suryady Bandy
Albert Tei Jiann Cheing is a partner in the two Sabah-based firms. Tei, the whistle-blower, was charged with offering the bribes.
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All three pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga. The two assemblymen were released on bail of 50,000 ringgit each, while Tei was granted bail of 60,000 ringgit for both offences. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and fines not less than five times the value of the bribes.
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