MACC Detains Another Sabah State Assemblyman on Suspicions of Soliciting Bribes for Mineral Licences

Strategic Insights -

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Sabah has detained a state assemblyman in his 40s on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes to facilitate the issuance of mineral exploration licences in the state. The assemblyman, who is also the Sabah state industrial development and entrepreneurship assistant minister, was arrested while giving his statement at the MACC Sabah office. The MACC believes that the suspect solicited and received around RM150,000 from an individual with a "Datuk" title in exchange for assistance with a mineral exploration licence application.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MACC has detained a state assemblyman in his 40s on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes for mineral exploration licences in Sabah.
  • The suspect, who is also the Sabah state industrial development and entrepreneurship assistant minister, was arrested while giving his statement at the MACC Sabah office.
  • The MACC believes that the suspect solicited and received around RM150,000 from an individual with a "Datuk" title between 2023 and 2024.
  • The alleged offences are being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
  • The case is expected to be charged in court soon, along with Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Yusof Yacob and businessman Datuk Albert Teh.
  • This is the latest development in the prospecting licence scandal, which was sparked by a series of videos published by a businessman.
  • The suspect was released on MACC bail of RM50,000 with one surety after giving his statement.

Statistics:

  • RM150,000: The amount of bribe allegedly solicited and received by the suspect.
  • 2023-2024: The time period during which the alleged corruption took place.
  • 1: The number of surety required by the suspect for his MACC bail.
  • RM50,000: The amount of MACC bail paid by the suspect.

Sources:

  • "MACC detains another state assemblyman over soliciting and receiving bribes for mineral exploration licenses in Sabah", Malay Mail, June 23.
  • "Tanjung Batu assemblyman Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy questioned over prospecting license scandal", Malaysiakini, December 2023.
  • Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.