Ex-SMM CEO to file RM30mil suit against firm, senior execs

PETALING JAYA: The former CEO of a company embroiled in a corruption investigation involving Sabah assemblymen has announced plans to file a RM30 million lawsuit against the firm, its current CEO, and the company secretary.

Jontih Enggihon said the “malicious conspiracy” had irreparably tarnished his reputation and caused him severe mental distress.

He said the lawsuit was in response to Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) Sdn Bhd’s accusations against him.

He is also suing SMM CEO Natasha Sim and the company secretary over their allegations of misconduct.

“I am working with my legal counsel to initiate civil action against (them) for reputational damage, mental damage, and the anguish they have c aused,” he said in a statement.

Last month, SMM accused Jontih of breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and misconduct.

Reports were lodged with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) accusing him of colluding with a purported whistleblower.

The whistleblower is said to be behind the video clips alleging several Sabah assemblymen of being involved in corrupt practices.

Sim had said Jontih’s alleged wrongdoing was uncovered following a comprehensive internal probe into his affairs while holding the post.

Jontih had previously denied the allegations and said the claim that he had acted as a middleman between the whistleblower and assemblymen was a “total lie”.

Jontih today stressed that he had fully cooperated with MACC and the police’s investigation into the allegations, adding that he was confident he would be proven innocent and “justice would be served”.

He also claimed he had proof that Sim and the company secretary did not disclose they were on a private jet to Indonesia earlier this year as part of the entourage on a sponsored trip by an Indonesian company – a claim which Sim has since denied.

A timber trader and his two children were also on the trip, alleged Jontih.

Jontih today said the trip, estimated to cost RM400,000, coincided with the approval of prospecting licences for both the Indonesian company and the timber trader by SMM.

“After verifying with one of the directors from the Indonesian company yesterday, (their) attendance on that flight was confirmed,” he said.

Jontih alleged that Sim and the company secretary conspired to frame him as part of a calculated move to protect their own interests.

He also claimed to have voice recordings and other evidence showing the company secretary prepared misleading documents, while Sim used outdated records to deceive SMM’s board.

“I urge the authorities to conduct an in-depth investigation into this incident. This is a severe crime.”