READERS always love a good underdog story. A lone hero taking on the system. A brave soul armed with nothing but a hidden camera and righteous indignation. But sometimes, that hero can turn out to be less of a “whistleblower”, more “hot air blower”.
Lately, the businessman identified here as Albert has been in the news for “exposing” alleged corruption involving mineral licences in Sabah through secretly recorded videos.
The clips appeared to be grainy, selectively framed and according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), edited. In other words, it might not stand up in court.
But let’s take a moment to stop marvelling at Albert’s crusade to expose high corruption and peel off the veil of the character behind the hidden camera.
The businessman in his late 30s is no long-time chest-thumping reformer out to expose graft and take down the corrupt. Years ago, he made headlines not for any noble cause but for allegedly running a factory that was raided for labour violations.
Over 100 charges were filed – ranging from unlawful salary deductions to denying workers contracts and overtime pay. The court didn’t acquit him.
He was let off with a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), meaning to say Albert is not completely in the clear yet.
‘Public dis-service’
But let’s humour this tale. Imagine someone who according to the rumour mill has an extensive network of shell companies, millions in property and a habit of jumping from one venture to another, suddenly discovering a conscience – but only after a few lucrative deals fell apart.
Yet, he didn’t file a formal complaint from the start. He didn’t go to the authorities. What he did was click “send” on WhatsApp and let the Internet do its magic.
Although to be fair, Albert recently furnished the MACC “evidence” of the alleged wrongdoing – but only after the commission said it was wrapping up its probe into the secretly-recorded videos. Why the feet-dragging?
Whistleblowing, we’re told, is an act of public service. But when the videos are edited for maximum drama, when the “leaker” is neck-deep in the very industry he’s exposing, and when the leaks surface only after the promises were abandoned, what are we really looking at?
Justice? Or just another jilted businessman trying to burn the house down because he wasn’t handed the keys? That could be a possible angle to look at.
Let’s also not forget the alleged sprawling asset trail: properties across Puchong, Damansara, even Kuantan. And then, there’s the vehicular collection that would make car dealerships blush. Loans flying between companies all somehow orbiting the same individual.
It has also been alleged that Albert has close links with ex-Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) CEO Jontih Enggihon. Based on news reports, the businessman had applied for 25 mineral mining licences from the Sabah government, of which he had received 13. They were working in cahoots.
Perhaps this “whistleblower” better not be blowing hot air or engage in theatrics laden with personal agenda
This is not to say that there is no element of corruption in the Sabah mineral license scandal. If there were, heads must roll, no question about that.
But in our eagerness to believe the man with the hidden camera, let’s also not mistake personal spat for moral virtue.
Some people don’t blow whistles to warn the public. They do it to settle scores and when this happens the integrity of the so-called exposé is called into question.
And in this case, the only thing that some people see as being blown with any consistency … is hot air. – May 9, 2025
