Perhaps Bung should step down too, PBS Youth returns fire

Sabah Umno should evaluate its own position before demanding Chief Minister Hajiji Noor to step down over the alleged mineral project scandal, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Christopher Mandut.

He also pointed out that Sabah Umno chairperson Bung Moktar Radin and his wife Zizie Izette Abdul Samad are also embroiled in a corruption case related to Felcra Bhd investments.

“If Sabah Umno is pressing for the chairperson of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to resign, then their own chairperson should also step down to allow a transparent and unbiased investigation into his corruption allegations,” he said in a statement.

Mandut was responding to Sabah Umno Youth chief Sufian Abd Karim, who also called for a thorough investigation into the state-owned Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) of which Hajiji is the chairperson.

Calls for the chief minister to step down also rang out from Sabah Umno’s Wanita and Puteri wings.

However, Mandut urged Sabah Umno to “look in the mirror” before making such demands.

Full cooperation

He also pointed out that Hajiji had repeatedly assured that the corruption allegations had been referred to MACC.

“The chief minister has pledged full cooperation with the MACC investigation. Does Sufian doubt MACC’s credibility? Why demand the chief minister’s resignation when he has already committed to transparency?” he questioned.

Mandut said Hajiji’s statement that he has “nothing to hide,” reflected his sincerity and commitment to the truth.

“If it is true that the Sabah Umno chief also has nothing to hide, perhaps he too should step down to allow the MACC to investigate his corruption case without prejudice,” he added.

Earlier, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh also said that Hajiji should step aside if there is merit in the allegations against him or members of his administration.

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

Hajiji’s administration landed in the spotlight after a whistleblower disclosed seven videos which he claimed contained discussions with different assemblypersons regarding the alleged bribes he had given them to secure a mineral exploration licence.

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