Sabah mineral licence bribery
In late 2024, leaked video recordings appeared to show Sabah state assemblymen discussing or accepting payments in connection with the award of mineral exploration licences, triggering a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation. The case, widely referred to as the 'Sabah graft' or mining-licence scandal, raised questions about state resource governance and political financing. Multiple individuals, including businessman Albert Tei and former Sabah assemblymen, have been charged in relation to bribery allegations over mining licences. While some probes into figures like Farhash Wafa were closed with no case found, the investigation into Albert Tei and others remains ongoing, with his trial set for April 2026.
Key facts
- Leaked video recordings in late 2024 showed Sabah state assemblymen allegedly discussing or accepting payments for mineral exploration licences, triggering a MACC investigation.
- Businessman Albert Tei has been charged with bribery related to mineral licences, with his trial set for April 2026.
- Former Sabah assemblyman Shamsul Iskandar faces multiple graft charges, including allegations of accepting RM64,924 and RM350,000 in bribes tied to mining licences.
- Shamsul Iskandar applied to transfer his corruption case to the High Court in February 2026 and sought to stay proceedings, with a hearing on this application held on September 3, 2026.
- Two former Sabah assemblymen are set to stand trial in June 2026 over RM350,000 in bribery charges linked to Albert Tei.
- A probe into Albert Tei's claim of intimidation by MACC chief Azam Baki was closed with no further action in June 2026.
- Former MACC chief Latheefa Koya criticised the charges against Albert Tei, urging authorities to 'go after the big fish' in resource governance corruption.
- Multiple news outlets reported in December 2025 that Albert Tei's mineral licence graft trial was set for April 2026.
Analysis
The Sabah mineral licence bribery case emerged in late 2024 following the leak of video recordings showing Sabah state assemblymen allegedly discussing or accepting payments related to mineral exploration licence awards. This prompted the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to launch an investigation into potential corruption in the awarding of mining licences. The investigation led to charges against several individuals, including businessman Albert Tei and former Sabah assemblymen such as Shamsul Iskandar, who is a former aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Shamsul Iskandar has faced multiple graft charges, including allegations of accepting RM64,924 and RM350,000 in bribes tied to mining licences, and has sought to transfer or stay proceedings, with hearings held in 2026 regarding these applications. Albert Tei has been charged with bribery offences involving payments to former assemblymen, with his trial set for April 2026 after multiple postponements and legal challenges. While some related probes, such as one into Tei's intimidation claim against MACC chief Azam Baki, were closed with no further action, the core case against Tei and others remains active. The case has drawn public and political attention, with former MACC chief Latheefa Koya criticising the focus on Tei as insufficient, urging authorities to 'go after the big fish' in resource governance.
This explanation is generated from the cited news sources below. It states only what those sources support.
Timeline
Sabah minerals firm ex-CEO denies being 'middleman' in bribery case
The former CEO of a Sabah minerals firm denied allegations of acting as a middleman in the bribery case related to mineral exploration licences.
news.google.comLeaked videos show Sabah assemblymen discussing mineral licence payments
Leaked video recordings appeared to show Sabah state assemblymen discussing or accepting payments in connection with the award of mineral exploration licences, triggering a MACC investigation.
news.google.comLeaked videos trigger MACC investigation into Sabah mineral licence bribery
Leaked video recordings appeared to show Sabah state assemblymen discussing or accepting payments in connection with the award of mineral exploration licences, triggering a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation.
news.google.comMACC probe into Sabah assemblymen over bribery claims still ongoing
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation into Sabah assemblymen over bribery claims related to mineral licences was confirmed to be still ongoing.
news.google.comTwo Sabah Reps, Businessman Plead Not Guilty To Bribery Over Mining Licences
Two Sabah state assemblymen and a businessman pleaded not guilty to bribery charges in connection with mining licences in Sabah.
news.google.comSabah bribery scandal: Singapore firm comes under Malaysian scrutiny
A Singapore-linked firm came under scrutiny by Malaysian authorities in connection with the Sabah bribery scandal involving mineral exploration licences.
news.google.comThe Sabah coal controversy: What we know about the Farhash-linked licence claims
An article examined the claims linking Farhash Wafa to controversial coal and mineral licences in Sabah, outlining what was known about the allegations at the time.
news.google.comRafizi calls for MACC to investigate PM’s former aide Farhash over alleged Sabah mining licence
Rafizi Ramli urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate former Prime Minister’s aide Farhash Wafa over alleged involvement in Sabah mining licence matters.
news.google.comNo case against PM’s former aide Farhash in Sabah mineral exploration probe — MACC chief
The MACC chief stated that no case was found against former Prime Minister’s aide Farhash Wafa in the Sabah mineral exploration probe.
news.google.comMACC closes Sabah mineral probe, finds no case against Farhash-linked firm
The MACC announced it had closed its probe into a firm linked to Farhash Wafa in the Sabah mineral exploration case, finding no case against the firm.
news.google.comNo case against Farhash Wafa in Sabah mineral exploration probe, MACC chief says
The MACC chief reiterated that no case was found against Farhash Wafa in the Sabah mineral exploration probe.
news.google.comAlbert Tei's Mineral Licence Graft Trial In Sabah Set For April 2026
It was confirmed that the mineral licence graft trial for businessman Albert Tei in Sabah has been set for April 2026.
news.google.comMACC opens investigation following Albert Tei revelations on mining scandal
MACC opens investigation following Albert Tei revelations on mining scandal - The Star
news.google.comSabah’s resources not your ‘personal piggy bank’, Albert Tei told
Sabah’s resources not your ‘personal piggy bank’, Albert Tei told - Free Malaysia Today
news.google.comMACC proposes five improvements for Sabah land, mineral licence approvals
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission proposed five improvements to the Sabah land and mineral licence approval process to prevent corruption and increase transparency.
news.google.comMACC proposes improvements for Sabah land and mineral licence approvals
MACC proposes five improvements for Sabah land, mineral licence approvals.
news.google.comNo wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral exploration case involving Farhash, says Azalina
Azalina Othman Said stated that no wrongdoing was found in the Sabah mineral exploration case involving Farhash Wafa.
news.google.comNo wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral case involving Farhash Wafa
No wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral exploration case involving Farhash, says Azalina.
news.google.comNo wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral exploration case involving Farhash
No wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral exploration case involving Farhash, says Azalina - The Vibes
news.google.comMACC's probe into Albert Tei: Timeline of allegations, arrests and charges
NST Online published a timeline detailing the allegations, arrests, and charges in the MACC's investigation into Albert Tei over mineral licence bribery.
news.google.comShamsul Iskandar claims trial to four counts of bribery
Malaysian PM Anwar’s former aide Shamsul Iskandar claims trial to four counts of bribery - The Straits Times
news.google.comBusinessman Albert Tei hit with fresh RM64,924 Sabah mining bribery charge to ex-PM’s aide Shamsul Iskandar
Businessman Albert Tei was charged with a new RM64,924 bribery offence related to alleged payments to Shamsul Iskandar, an aide to a former Prime Minister, in connection with Sabah mining licences.
news.google.comShamsul Iskandar denies taking RM64,924 bribe for Sabah mining licence
Back in the dock: Shamsul Iskandar denies taking RM64,924 bribe for Sabah mining licence - Malay Mail
news.google.comAlbert Tei hit with fresh RM64,924 bribery charge related to Shamsul Iskandar
Businessman Albert Tei hit with fresh RM64,924 Sabah mining bribery charge to ex-PM’s aide Shamsul Iskandar.
news.google.comSabah mineral licence graft trial for Albert Tei set for April 2026
The mineral licence graft trial for Albert Tei in Sabah was confirmed to be set for April 2026.
news.google.comAlbert Tei's mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026
The trial of businessman Albert Tei on mineral licence graft charges was confirmed to be set for April 2026.
news.google.comTei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026
Tei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - Free Malaysia Today
news.google.comAlbert Tei corruption case in Sabah set for trial next year
Albert Tei corruption case in Sabah set for trial next year - NST Online
news.google.comAlbert Tei’s mineral licence graft trial in Sabah set for April 2026
Albert Tei’s mineral licence graft trial in Sabah set for April 2026 - The Malaysian Reserve
news.google.comAlbert Tei's mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - The Star
Albert Tei's mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026.
news.google.comSabah mineral licence graft trial for Albert Tei set for April 2026 - The Sun Malaysia
Sabah mineral licence graft trial for Albert Tei set for April 2026.
news.google.comTei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - Free Malaysia Today
Tei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026.
news.google.comAlbert Tei corruption case in Sabah set for trial next year - NST Online
Albert Tei corruption case in Sabah set for trial next year.
news.google.comBusinessman Albert Tei to stand trial in April 2026 over alleged bribery of two former Sabah assemblymen involving RM350,000
Businessman Albert Tei to stand trial in April 2026 over alleged bribery of two former Sabah assemblymen involving RM350,000.
news.google.comShamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together
Shamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together.
news.google.comAlbert Tei’s mineral licence graft trial in Sabah set for April 2026 - The Malaysian Reserve
Albert Tei’s mineral licence graft trial in Sabah set for April 2026.
news.google.comBusinessman Albert Tei to stand trial in April 2026 over alleged bribery of two former Sabah assemblymen involving RM350,000
Businessman Albert Tei to stand trial in April 2026 over alleged bribery of two former Sabah assemblymen involving RM350,000 - Malay Mail
news.google.comShamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together
Shamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together - Malay Mail
news.google.comShamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together - Malay Mail
Shamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together.
news.google.comTrial in June for two ex-Sabah assemblymen over RM350,000 bribery charges
Trial in June for two ex-Sabah assemblymen over RM350,000 bribery charges.
news.google.comShamsul Iskandar applies to transfer corruption case to High Court
Free Malaysia Today reported that Shamsul Iskandar applied to transfer his corruption case to the High Court.
news.google.comProbe into Albert Tei's intimidation claim against Azam Baki closed with no further action
Probe into Albert Tei's intimidation claim against Azam Baki closed with no further action - The Edge Malaysia
news.google.comTei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026
It was reported that Tei’s mineral licence graft trial is set for April 2026.
news.google.comTei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - MSN
Tei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026.
news.google.comSept 3 hearing of Shamsul Iskandar's application to stay corruption proceedings
The Star reported on the September 3 hearing regarding Shamsul Iskandar's application to stay corruption proceedings.
news.google.comNGO lodges police report against Albert Tei for defaming Hajiji
NGO lodges police report against Albert Tei for defaming Hajiji.
news.google.com
Relationship graph
People, organisations and items linked to this issue. Hover a node to focus its connections; names in blue link to a tracked politician profile.
- Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)organization
Investigating the Sabah mineral licence bribery scandal; proposed reforms to licence approval process
- Sabah State Assemblyorganization
State legislative body whose members were implicated in leaked videos discussing bribery over mineral licences
- Sabah State Governmentorganization
State government responsible for issuing mineral exploration licences, central to the bribery allegations
- Albert Teiperson
Businessman charged in connection with Sabah mineral licence bribery allegations; trial set for April 2026
- Azalina Othman Saidperson
Minister who stated no wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral case involving Farhash Wafa
- Azam Bakiperson
Chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), subject of an intimidation claim by Albert Tei that was closed with no further action
- Farhash Wafaperson
Former aide to a Prime Minister investigated in relation to Sabah mineral licences; no case found against him
- Hajiji Noorperson
Sabah Chief Minister mentioned in defamation police report against Albert Tei
- Latheefa Koyaperson
Former MACC chief who criticised the charges against Albert Tei, urging authorities to 'go after the big fish' in resource governance
- Shamsul Iskandarperson
Ex-PM’s aide alleged to have received RM64,924 in bribes from Albert Tei related to Sabah mining licences
News collection(45)
NGO lodges police report against Albert Tei for defaming Hajiji - Free Malaysia Today
NGO lodges police report against Albert Tei for defaming Hajiji - Free Malaysia Today
Sept 3 hearing of Shamsul Iskandar's application to stay corruption proceedings - The Star
Tei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - MSN
Probe into Albert Tei's intimidation claim against Azam Baki closed with no further action - The Edge Malaysia
Shamsul Iskandar applies to transfer corruption case to High Court - Free Malaysia Today
Trial in June for two ex-Sabah assemblymen over RM350,000 bribery charges - Malay Mail
Shamsul Iskandar’s five graft charges over Sabah mining licence to be tried together - Malay Mail
Albert Tei corruption case in Sabah set for trial next year - NST Online
Albert Tei's mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - The Star
Sabah mineral licence graft trial for Albert Tei set for April 2026 - The Sun Malaysia
Albert Tei’s mineral licence graft trial in Sabah set for April 2026 - The Malaysian Reserve
Tei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - Free Malaysia Today
Tei’s mineral licence graft trial set for April 2026 - Free Malaysia Today
Businessman Albert Tei to stand trial in April 2026 over alleged bribery of two former Sabah assemblymen involving RM350,000 - Malay Mail
Businessman Albert Tei hit with fresh RM64,924 Sabah mining bribery charge to ex-PM’s aide Shamsul Iskandar - Malay Mail
Back in the dock: Shamsul Iskandar denies taking RM64,924 bribe for Sabah mining licence - Malay Mail
'Go after the big fish': Former MACC chief Latheefa slams charge against businessman Albert Tei - Sinar Daily
Malaysian PM Anwar’s former aide Shamsul Iskandar claims trial to four counts of bribery - The Straits Times
MACC's probe into Albert Tei: Timeline of allegations, arrests and charges - NST Online
[Watch] Businessman Albert Tei Allegedly Arrested By Balaclava-Clad MACC Officers In Dramatic Raid - TRP | The Rakyat Post
Albert Tei, from accused bribe-giver to political detonator - Free Malaysia Today
Woman denies being Shamsul Iskandar’s proxy - Free Malaysia Today
No wrongdoing found in Sabah mineral exploration case involving Farhash, says Azalina - The Vibes
MACC proposes five improvements for Sabah land, mineral licence approvals - The Star
Albert Tei’s actions raise many questions, says PGRS leader - Free Malaysia Today
Barred from entering Sabah again, ‘whistleblower’ Albert Tei files contempt bid against Hajiji - Malay Mail
Sabah’s resources not your ‘personal piggy bank’, Albert Tei told - Free Malaysia Today
Sabah state assembly dissolved, paving way for state election - The Edge Malaysia
Azam Baki orders probe into video of senior Sabah leader, Albert Tei - NST Online
MACC opens investigation following Albert Tei revelations on mining scandal - The Star
Azam Baki orders probe into video of senior Sabah leader, Albert Tei - NST Online
Albert Tei's Mineral Licence Graft Trial In Sabah Set For April 2026 - Bernama
No case against PM’s former aide Farhash in Sabah mineral exploration probe — MACC chief - The Edge Malaysia
MACC closes Sabah mineral probe, finds no case against Farhash-linked firm - scoop.my
No case against Farhash Wafa in Sabah mineral exploration probe, MACC chief says - Malay Mail
Bribery cases of two Sabah assemblymen, businessman fixed for Sept 23 - NST Online
Rafizi calls for MACC to investigate PM’s former aide Farhash over alleged Sabah mining licence - The Edge Malaysia
The Sabah coal controversy: What we know about the Farhash-linked licence claims | Sinar Daily - Sinar Daily
The Sabah coal controversy: What we know about the Farhash-linked licence claims - Sinar Daily
Sabah bribery scandal: Singapore firm comes under Malaysian scrutiny - South China Morning Post
MACC probes tycoon allegedly linked to Albert Tei - Free Malaysia Today
Two Sabah Reps, Businessman Plead Not Guilty To Bribery Over Mining Licences - Bernama
MACC to charge two Sabah reps, civilian over mining licence scandal - Malaysiakini
[UPDATED] MACC probe into Sabah assemblymen over bribery claims still ongoing - NST Online
'No more excuses', Latheefa tells government, MACC as she reveals 'full, unedited' Sabah bribery videos - MalaysiaNow
Sabah minerals firm ex-CEO denies being ‘middleman’ in bribery case - Free Malaysia Today
All information on this page is drawn from the cited public news sources above.Back to all issues