KOTA KINABALU — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor recently announced that, beginning next year, all chief executive officers and senior management of government-linked companies (GLCs) and statutory bodies will be required to submit quarterly written performance reports covering project progress, financial status, KPI achievements and operational efficiency. Failure to comply, he warned, could result in a review of their positions, including possible replacement or termination.
Hajiji also issued a stern reminder that Sabah GLCs and statutory bodies which record losses for five consecutive years may face closure if they fail to demonstrate any credible recovery prospects.
However, attention has now turned to one state-owned entity that was originally meant to serve as the backbone of Sabah’s investment promotion efforts, but which critics say has increasingly come to resemble a “personal fiefdom” under its current leadership.
The company in question, Invest Sabah Berhad, is led by its chief executive officer Dr Firdausi Suffian, a UiTM Sabah academic seconded to the agency. He is alleged to have surrounded himself with a favoured public relations officer while exercising wide discretionary powers over approvals, travel, and expenditure. Sources claim the organisation has become mired in internal controversy involving alleged abuse of authority, questionable claims, and inappropriate personal conduct.
There are also allegations that Dr Firdausi has been closely shielded by Datuk Thomas Logijin, the Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), who is himself said to have been linked to multiple governance and integrity issues within the ministry.
Allegations of Abuse of Power and Public Funds
According to information obtained by insiders, several incidents raise serious governance concerns:
1. Osaka–Tokyo–Kuala Lumpur Trip
During an official visit to Osaka, only two officers were reportedly approved by the Cabinet to attend. However, the CEO allegedly brought along his PR officer, Ily Lia Affiqah, without authorisation. The trip was allegedly extended by two additional days for personal activities, during which daily allowances were still claimed from company funds. Sources say this was facilitated using the influence of the Permanent Secretary.
2. RM10,000 Payment to PR Officer
It is alleged that Ily Lia received payments amounting to approximately RM10,000, including flights and accommodation, paid directly into her personal bank account for hosting duties at an overseas programme. Despite this, she allegedly submitted further claims to Invest Sabah, which were approved by the CEO. Critics say this represents a clear breach of governance and financial controls, and warrants scrutiny by the state authorities.
3. Unauthorised Brunei Trip
Another controversy involves an official visit to Brunei that reportedly took place without prior Cabinet approval. Only after the trip concluded did the CEO allegedly seek a retrospective approval letter from the Minister of Industrial Development. Observers say this practice violates basic principles of public-sector accountability and integrity.
Culture of Intimidation and Fear
Sources within the organisation describe a workplace environment marked by intimidation and fear. The PR officer is alleged to have pressured department heads and HR personnel to approve her claims without scrutiny. When objections were raised, she allegedly resorted to emotional pressure and direct complaints to the CEO.
In response, the CEO was said to have reprimanded HR staff for “making things difficult”, despite claims that the expenses exceeded RM7,000 and required proper verification. Staff further allege that the officer openly clashed with her department head and claimed she could operate freely across departments at will.
Although Invest Sabah already has a CEO’s personal assistant and special officers, the CEO reportedly continued bringing the PR officer on nearly all official trips, fuelling resentment among staff and damaging morale.
In one management meeting, the CEO was allegedly quoted as warning that anyone who circulated photos or information about his relationship with the officer would “regret it later”, a statement viewed by staff as an act of intimidation. Many employees are now said to be deeply demoralised by what they describe as a toxic workplace culture.
Alleged Misuse of Funds and Open Office Relationship
Sources further allege that the CEO and the officer frequently travelled to Kuala Lumpur almost every weekend, with airfare and accommodation borne by the company. A travel agent linked to Invest Sabah reportedly claimed that the officer once suggested sharing a hotel room to “save costs”, a claim that has shocked staff and raised serious ethical concerns.
What was once whispered internally has since become widely known: the relationship between the CEO and his subordinate allegedly evolved into an open office romance. This culminated in their reported engagement in late October, which insiders say effectively confirms long-standing rumours within the organisation.
Critics question how a lecturer seconded from UiTM Sabah — who was previously said to have taken leave due to emotional or personal issues — could later be entrusted with sweeping authority over a state GLC, including approving claims, sidelining department heads, and reshaping the organisation around personal relationships.
Where Are MACC and BIGONS?
Questions are now being raised over why enforcement bodies have yet to act. Who, critics ask, is protecting Dr Firdausi Suffian and Ily Lia? Attention has again turned to Datuk Thomas Logijin, the Permanent Secretary of the Sabah MITI, who is widely believed to be the key protector behind the scenes.
Observers argue that Invest Sabah appears to have drifted far from its original mandate of attracting and facilitating investment into the state. Instead, it is increasingly portrayed as a stage for internal intrigue, intimidation, and alleged abuse of power.
Public Calls for Immediate Intervention
There are growing calls for Invest Sabah to be placed directly under the supervision of the Chief Minister’s Office, following models such as Invest Selangor and Invest Sarawak. Critics argue that the current management has failed not only to elevate Sabah’s investment profile, but has also tarnished the reputation of the state administration.
Without swift and decisive action, they warn, Sabah risks continued losses — not only in investment opportunities but also in public trust and institutional dignity.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and BIGONS are urged to act without delay.
Investigate immediately. Stop the abuse of power. Clean up Sabah’s GLCs.
And return Dr Firdausi Suffian to UiTM Sabah.
