Ex-SMM CEO acted contrary to board's decisions, says Hajiji

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has accused former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon of acting against the board’s decision.

“I must state, without making accusations, that the former CEO acted contrary to the board’s decisions.

“According to SMM’s report, the board decided otherwise, but the CEO went ahead and issued letters granting Prospecting Licences (PLs) to selected companies,” he told the state legislative assembly.

Hajiji said Jontih’s (above) alleged transgressions have been reported to the MACC and police.

“Let the relevant authorities investigate and determine the truth, motives and those responsible. The process of granting PLs doesn’t involve mining or funds yet, but it has already raised concerns.

“Let the authorities handle this. I have said that we have nothing to hide, and I see this as a political game. Ultimately, it is up to the people to judge,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Express.

Hajiji told the house that SMM is a wholly state-owned company that was established to manage the mineral sector.

“This initiative is a strategic step to ensure a more organised, focused, and effective management of mineral resources, maximising the potential for new revenue streams for the Sabah state government in the future,” he added.

Hajiji was responding to Parti Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal who sought clarification over the opposition being linked to the whistleblower.

However, Hajiji clarified that the leaders had not blamed specific opposition parties, but indicated that supporters of the opposition could also be perceived as “opposition”.

Evidence of corruption scandal

Jontih, on the other hand, has lodged a MACC report against Hajiji, who is the chairperson of SMM, accusing him of abusing his powers.

The former CEO, who has denied colluding with the businessperson behind the videos of an alleged corruption scandal in Sabah, claimed that he has evidence in the form of meeting minutes and screenshots of WhatsApp messages.

Last week, Malaysiakini published several videos from the whistleblower who claimed that he bribed several assemblypersons to support his application for a mineral exploration licence.

Hajiji described the allegation as an attempt to undermine his state government.

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