PM Anwar Ibrahim's Office Embroiled in Sabah Corruption Scandal Amid Whistleblower Claims & Video Evidence

Malaysia's PM Anwar Faces Direct Scrutiny as Sabah Corruption Scandal Deepens

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration is facing intense pressure as a long-simmering land-mining scandal in Sabah has taken a dramatic turn, with direct allegations now linking the Premier's office to the affair. This explosive development comes just days before a crucial Sabah state election, posing a significant challenge to Anwar's image and his government's integrity.

Whistleblower Unveils Damning Evidence

At the heart of the controversy is businessman Albert Tei, the central whistleblower who claims to have orchestrated a scheme to expose corruption within the state. Tei's allegations escalated following the November 25 resignation of Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, PM Anwar's senior political secretary. Tei asserts he spent nearly RM630,000 (S$198,000) on Shamsul Iskandar, covering cash, home renovations, luxury furnishings, premium cigars, and tailored suits. This lavish spending was allegedly in exchange for political support for a mining project in Sabah.

Explosive Video Links Scandal to PM's Office

The scandal gained further traction with the emergence of a video dated November 21. In the footage, purportedly featuring Shamsul Iskandar's “proxy,” a young woman identified as Ms. Sofia Rini Buyong, makes a shocking claim to Tei. She suggests that the idea to covertly record dealings with Sabah politicians originated from the Prime Minister’s office and had Anwar's explicit blessing. Tei, using a pen with a hidden camera, recorded at least 14 Sabah politicians without their knowledge, capturing discussions about alleged bribes for a mining license.

In the blurry Nov 21 clip, the alleged proxy can be heard telling Tei, “Whatever he (Shamsul Iskandar) said is true, Anwar said to do it, it is true.” These claims significantly heighten the stakes, moving the scandal beyond state-level corruption to the highest office in the country. Text messages also revealed Shamsul Iskandar allegedly soliciting cash for international trips.

Anwar's Response and Critical Analysis

In response to his aide's resignation, Prime Minister Anwar issued a statement on November 26, emphasizing his government's commitment to transparency and integrity. He affirmed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s freedom to conduct an immediate investigation without external interference. However, conspicuously, Anwar did not directly address the allegations implicating his own office.

Political analysts have voiced concern over the potential damage to Anwar's reputation, especially given his long-standing platform as an anti-corruption crusader. Tunku Mohar Mokhtar from the International Islamic University Malaysia stated, “The manner in which his middle man – the senior political secretary – handled this matter seriously questioned the integrity of the PM’s office.” Academic James Chin echoed this, noting that the public expected a crackdown on corruption under Anwar, but now faces a scandal “directly linked to Anwar because this person is his right-hand man.”

MACC Launches Probe Amidst Political Defence

The MACC has confirmed it will launch an immediate probe into Tei's latest claims against Shamsul Iskandar, summoning both individuals and others for investigation. MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow the commission to gather evidence impartially.

Despite the severity of the allegations, members of Anwar’s government and coalition parties have largely closed ranks, dismissing the claims as a politically motivated smear campaign ahead of the November 29 Sabah state election. Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Chan Foong Hin called them a “cheap political gimmick,” urging voters to remain focused on the campaign rather than be swayed by what he believes are politically motivated accusations. The outcome of the Sabah polls is now seen as a barometer of public support for Anwar's government halfway through his first term.