BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Evening Edition  >  Top 5 At 5  >  Top 5 at 5: Sabah's Mining Scandal Digs Itself A Deeper Hole

Top 5 at 5: Sabah's Mining Scandal Digs Itself A Deeper Hole

Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser , Pacific Research Centre

25-Sep-25 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Sabah's Mining Scandal Digs Itself A Deeper Hole

Sabah’s long-simmering mining scandal has taken a fresh turn. Since 2023, two state assemblypersons have been charged, with more figures under scrutiny. Now, whistleblower and businessman Albert Tei has released a video allegedly capturing a conversation with Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who also heads the STAR party, raising fresh questions about political entanglement and accountability. We hear thoughts from Oh Ei Sun on Sabah's political state amidst this storm. We also hear clips from Fadhil Kassim, Coordinator of Gempur Rasuah Sabah about public sentiments.

Other stories we covered:

• Singapore executes K Datchinamurthy: The convicted drug trafficker was initially granted a reprieve last night. However, his family was kept in the dark about it until 2pm today when they were told the execution will continue as planned. This has caused backlash from local activists who campaigned for his sentence to be commuted. We hear from lawyer N Surendran, who represented Datchinamurthy and his family.

• Luxury car owners avoid road tax: RM35.7 million was racked up in arrears for unpaid road tax, all belonging to high profile individuals such as politicians and businessmen, according to transport minister Anthony Loke. We unpack the issues with enforcement with Dr Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor of the Road Safety Research Centre at University Putra Malaysia and learn about another method to evade road tax with Daniel Fernandez, managing editor of dsf.my.

• Visionary Chinese architect passes away: Kongjian Yu, best known for his 'sponge cities' urban planning model, was killed in a plane crash while filming a documentary in Brazil. We remember his legacy and discuss how his models could apply to Malaysian landscapes with Dr. Camelia May Li Kusumo, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Building Design at Taylor’s University.

• Durian causes small panic in British town: Our King of Fruit set off panic in the town of Lythan St Annes in Lancashire Britain. Authorities were informed of a “strong smell of gas” as locals were worried about a potential gas leak. We discuss the lasting smell and impact of the iconic fruit.

Image Credit: Bernama

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Sudais Ferhard, Sneha Harikannan, Juliet Jacobs, Lim Sue Ann

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  foodinternationalHistory/HeritageeconomyCars/MotoringLaw/Activismcontroversiespoliticsgovernment

Tags:  lancashirekongjian yuSabah mining scandaldurianarchitectsponge citiesluxury carsroad taxK. datchinamurthysingaporeexecutionjeffrey kitinganwhistleblower





Play / Pause

Listen now : Mattsplained

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, Chicago tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Sam Fazeli, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the impact of US policy on the pharmaceutical industry.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Ismet Yusoff, Chief Executive Officer, Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) discusses the fiduciary duties of company directors.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Dato’ Sri Azmar Talib, CEO of TRX City discusses plans for the 10th tower at Tun Razak Exchange and how it reinforces Malaysia’s status as a financial hub.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid, Criminologist and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya discusses Malaysia's anti-trafficking efforts and its progress.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Raymon Ram, President of Transparency International Malaysia on MACC's performance and challenges.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, Chicago tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Sam Fazeli, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the impact of US policy on the pharmaceutical industry.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Miranda Yeoh, Co-Founder, Paolo Paolo Gelato

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Halim Hong & Quek's legal experts break down the SC's new Social Exchange guidelines, a regulated platform for funding social impact projects in Malaysia.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Dato' Sri Azmar Talib, Chief Executive Officer, TRX City Sdn Bhd

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

3:05 PM

Front Row

3:20 PM

Front Row

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House: Public hospitals are packed and private healthcare is increasingly expensive. Will Budget 2026 bring relief and will private hospitals play their role?

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector