Warisan has called on MACC to remand those implicated in the alleged corruption scandal in Sabah to facilitate investigations.

“Sometimes, the truth can emerge by remanding those suspected of committing an offence to assist the investigation as provided under the law as the investigation process will likely float out the wrongs that they did, if any,” said its deputy president Darell Leiking.

He said that unlike other states in Malaysia, corruption in Sabah has reached a “critical point”.

“It has caused suffering to Sabahans as villagers are forcibly evicted from their lands, illegal logging claims at SFI (Sabah Forest Industry) lands or the sorry condition of our roads, electricity and water supply.

“The Sabah Watergate scandal and episodes of assemblypersons hopping to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (prior to the passing of the state's anti-hopping law) should also remind us how bad the situation is,” he added in a statement this evening.

With the world poised to celebrate the International Anti-Corruption Day on Dec 9, the Moyog assemblyperson said the last thing Sabahans would want to hear is an “announcement by any international body that Sabah is the most corrupted state in Malaysia”.

“I am hopeful that MACC will be independent in its pursuit to get to the truth and investigate those who allegedly participated in possible abuse and acts of corruption,” he added.

Media ‘beacon of hope’

Leiking also commended Malaysiakini for exposing the videos on how “Sabah's future is being negotiated on a ‘you support me and I will help you’ basis.”

“Despite the looming and possible curtailment of free journalism/press freedom, news portals like Malaysiakini and alike are still there as the beacon of hope for many law-abiding citizens in exposing corruption scandals happening in the country,” he said.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini published seven videos from a whistleblower who alleged that he had bribed assemblypersons to secure a mining exploration licence in Sabah.

Earlier, Sabah Umno wings demanded Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s resignation with regard to the videos.

Sabah Wanita Umno also demanded a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) be formed to probe the claims.

Previously, Hajiji said he had nothing to hide and denied allegations of wrongdoing.

Wira Warisan Sabah has called for the immediate resignation of all State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) members from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) implicated in an alleged corruption scandal.

‘Deeply disappointing’

Warisan Youth described the exposure as “deeply disappointing” and said it “tarnishes the dignity of the people of Sabah.”

In a statement, its chief Terence Au urged those involved to resign from their positions as ministers, assistant ministers, and chairpersons of government-linked companies (GLCs) to uphold integrity and public trust.

“This step is crucial to demonstrate a commitment to integrity and responsibility toward the rakyat. It also ensures there is no perception that they are using their positions to hide the truth,” the statement read.

Au also urged Hajiji to take similar action, emphasising the need for leadership accountability.