PETALING JAYA: Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has sent a letter of demand (LOD) to Bersatu member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, over allegations related to the river basin transformation (RTB) flood alleviation project.
In a statement, Nik Nazmi said his lawyer issued the LOD to Chegubard yesterday, demanding an immediate retraction and a public apology for the statements in question.
“The gravity of these false accusations necessitates strong legal action to protect my reputation, the ministry, and the federal government,” he said.
Expressing his commitment to the truth and dispelling misconceptions, Nik Nazmi also welcomed any police investigation into Chegubard’s claims.
“As legal proceedings unfold, we affirm our dedication to transparency and adherence to the legal process,” he said.
Last Thursday, Nik Nazmi said he would sue Chegubard for claiming that the RTB project cost up to RM16.6 billion, with unknown companies and individuals receiving commissions as proxies to the minister.
The Setiawangsa MP said the government had reassessed high-priority flood mitigation project proposals, focusing on critical areas, and that no funds had been allocated for development expenditure.
The day before, Chegubard lodged a police report, alleging millions in kickbacks for securing flood mitigation projects leading to a significant increase in costs.
He claimed the bribes, disguised as negotiation fees, were funnelled through law firms to questionable recipients, including proxies for the minister.
Chegubard also presented an allegedly leaked letter from Nik Nazmi to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, claiming it had requested approval for tenders through direct negotiation.
