Sabah graft: Muhyiddin denies different reaction if it's Harapan state

INTERVIEW | When Malaysiakini exposed the alleged corruption scandal in Sabah, both sides of the divide appeared muted in their response.

This prompted speculation that it is because Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is considered a valuable asset for politicians on this side of the South China Sea.

However, Perikatan Nasional chief Muhyiddin Yassin denied this allegation, arguing it is difficult to make a stand beyond calling for an investigation because he is not aware of the “whole story”.

“I am always careful... (about making statements),” he told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview.

“I only heard that eight assemblypersons in Sabah were (allegedly) paid by someone to help them get something in return… So we cannot say ‘arrest them’ (the assemblypersons),” he added.

Asked if PN’s reaction would have been different if the state implicated was under Pakatan Harapan, Muhyiddin replied: “No, no. I couldn’t care (which state it is)... It must be investigated.”

Authorities’ job to probe, ascertain facts

Pointed out that opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, who is also PN secretary-general, chose to focus on the motive of the whistleblower instead of the corruption allegations, the former prime minister appeared to brush this aside.

“There are different views. But what I am saying is why I did not make a statement. I was discussing, (to find out) what is the real story. We read about it from your reports, which became viral.

“It’s the job of the authorities or MACC to investigate and establish the real facts. And if there are any elements of corrupt practices, the law says very clearly, take action. 

“I want to know if MACC has started its investigations, how long did they actually take to investigate? Have they established any evidence of corrupt practices? If so, what are they going to do with it?” he added.

READ MORE: Sabah reps' alleged corruption videos: What has happened so far

Asked if he had watched the videos and if he felt there were elements of corruption in the discussion about “gifts”, Muhyiddin replied: “I only watched (the videos) in passing.” 

“As I said just now. Investigate. As an observer, I cannot make any conclusions. We are not the people involved. So you can’t blame us for not making any comments,” he added.

Corruption, power abuse claims

Malaysiakini had published four videos related to the scandal, provided by a whistleblower who claimed he had bribed the assemblypersons to support his application for a mineral exploration licence.

One of the videos featured former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon, who accused Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, who is the state-owned entity’s chairperson, of abusing his power.

Hajiji has claimed that the videos are aimed at weakening his government while Jontih is being investigated for colluding with the whistleblower. The former CEO, who has denied the allegation, has also filed a report against the chief minister.

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