KUALA LUMPUR: A report has been lodged against a former senior officer of a Sabah mining company for allegedly abusing power.
According to FMT, the report, lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), pertains to allegations regarding the man's ties with a broker from Peninsular Malaysia, dating back to his time at the Minerals and Geoscience Department.
The report, which quoted sources, said the broker has served as an intermediary in multiple states, using corrupt practices to help mineral exploration companies to obtain prospecting licences.
The report also said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor became aware of the officer's collusion with the broker.
This, the report said, led Hajiji to decide not to renew the officer's contract, which enabled investigations by the authorities into the case.
Investigations showed that the former senior officer and his accomplice used intimidation tactics, including pre-planned video recordings.
Investigations also revealed that the duo collaborated with certain political parties to advance their agenda.
They attempted to 'shield' themselves by seeking protection under whistleblower legislation, acting as informants to cover up their crimes.
A news portal recently reported that several assemblymen have been caught on tape discussing bribes in exchange for obtaining project licences in a state.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had said that the graft busters have yet to receive a report on the matter, though the whistleblower's lawyer has met with MACC officers.