Temubual Pesalah Rasuah

Summary

In this interview, former football coach Hanif bin Man describes his involvement in match-fixing and the personal consequences of his corruption conviction. He says corruption was widespread in Malaysian football and that match-fixing could involve payments to both teams to ensure a chosen result.

Hanif recalls being under pressure after his team repeatedly lost and management became dissatisfied with its performance. A match-fixing intermediary, referred to in the subtitles as “Buki,” offered a way for the team to win if Hanif and the players followed instructions. At a meeting, the players agreed. During the match, an intermediary in the stadium used signals—such as the position of a hat or a hand—to direct the players. Hanif says the opposing team also appeared to play according to the arranged outcome.

About a month later, Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) contacted him. After roughly ten days of questioning, he was charged in court. Hanif says he was convicted on 8 April 2016 on 20 charges under Section 16(b), with each charge carrying a prison term and a fine. The subtitles do not clearly explain how those penalties translated into his eventual sentence; Hanif says he served four years and seven months.

Hanif describes losing his job and car, struggling to pay for his home, and being shunned by friends. He also says shame kept him from attending the funerals of his father and younger sibling while he was in prison. He now earns a living through small-business and construction work.

His message is that corruption may seem tempting or beneficial at first, but its consequences can devastate both the offender and their family. He hopes Malaysia will be free of crime and become a more respected country.

Interview Participants

• Interviewee: Hanif bin Man
• Interviewer: Not named in the subtitles