Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor should step aside if MACC believes there is merit in the corruption allegations against him or members of his administration, said Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, he said this would ensure a fair and unobstructed investigation into the allegations and reaffirm the state government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

However, Akmal (above) said MACC must first shed light on the status of its investigation regarding the videos exposed by a whistleblower.

“At the moment, the issue seems to be steeped in confusion, but the videos are going viral.

“Previously, MACC revealed it had recorded the statements of several assemblypersons when the whistleblower disclosed snippets of the recordings. But is it investigating the assemblypersons, the whistleblower or both?

“Yesterday, seven videos were released. So is there merit to the allegations?” he asked, adding that the recordings appeared to contain “disturbing elements” which warranted investigation.

“If there is merit, then Hajiji should step down as chief minister as well as Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chairperson,” he said.

‘MACC must clear air’

Akmal also referred to Sabah Finance Minister Masidi Manjun stating that he “voluntarily” gave his statement to MACC last night after being implicated in one of the videos.

“This is also strange. Was he summoned? Is there any intention of summoning the implicated assemblypersons for questioning?

“This afternoon, another assemblyperson (Masuing Banah) implicated said he has provided a statement to MACC. Was he summoned or was this voluntary as well?

“MACC must clear the air because questions are being asked,” he added.

Earlier, Sabah Umno wings called for Hajiji, who has also been implicated in the scandal, to resign.

Hajiji Noor

Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking urged MACC to remand those implicated, saying the “investigation process under such circumstances would float out the truth”.

The whistleblower claimed that the videos contained discussions with different assemblypersons regarding the alleged bribes he had given them to secure a mineral exploration licence.

When the scandal first erupted, Hajiji said he had nothing to hide and claimed that the videos were aimed at weakening his government.

Both Sabah Umno and Warisan have denied links to the whistleblower, who has claimed that he acted out of frustration.

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