MACC said preliminary investigations have led to the discovery of information linking several assemblymen from the state to the businessman.

“So far, five assemblymen have been summoned to provide their statements and the probe is ongoing,” it said in a statement.

The anti-graft agency also urged the public not to speculate on this case and to allow the authorities the space to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.

Last Tuesday, FMT quoted a source as saying that a report was lodged with MACC against the former senior officer of a state mining company in Sabah who is alleged to have abused his power.

The allegations are centred around his long-standing relationship with a broker from Peninsular Malaysia dating back to when the former senior officer worked at the minerals and geoscience department, according to the source.

It is understood the broker has long acted as an intermediary in various states to help mineral exploration companies obtain prospecting licences through corrupt means.

The source said the collusion between this officer and the broker drew the attention of Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor, who decided not to renew the officer’s contract, leaving him “deeply disappointed”.

The source claimed that, to protect themselves, the former senior officer and the broker had used intimidation tactics such as video recordings that were planned from the outset.

The source also claimed the duo had collaborated with certain political parties to advance their agenda, and they had also tried to shield themselves by seeking protection under whistleblower legislation by acting as informants with the aim of getting off scot-free from their crimes.

Yesterday, MACC said it had recorded statements from Sabah deputy chief minister Shahelmey Yahya, Kemabong assemblyman Rubin Balang and Tempasuk assemblyman Arsad Bistari over the allegations of corruption involving the issuance of state mining licences.

Hajiji has since said he has nothing to hide and called on MACC to investigate the case.