New Sabah party denies Musa Aman links, defends Hajiji amid graft scandal

Amid speculation that the Sabah election could be held as early as next year, the newly launched Parti Impian Sabah (Impian) has refuted claims of being sponsored by former chief minister Musa Aman.

The party also defended Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, urging fair treatment amid controversy surrounding alleged corruption.

Impian, established at the end of 2023, officially launched its operations yesterday and announced its supreme council line-up at an event in Sabah.

According to Daily Express, party president Michel Alok dismissed allegations that Impian is financially backed by Musa or his younger brother, Anifah.

He clarified that the party's office belongs to its treasurer, Chin Ling Ling, and not Anifah, as claimed by a Warisan leader.

The denial comes amid heightened political attention on Musa, who has been reported as a leading contender to become the next governor of Sabah, succeeding Juhar Mahiruddin when his term concludes on Dec 31.

READ MORE: Musa Aman front runner for new Sabah governor?

Defending Hajiji

Addressing the recent controversy over videos allegedly implicating a number of state assemblypersons in corruption related to mineral mining, Michel (above) defended Hajiji, saying it was unfair to criticise the chief minister before the MACC concludes its investigation.

“We don’t want to assume, but let the authorities do their job and investigate. Let them verify the matter,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Express.

Michel emphasised that only state assemblypersons have the authority to decide whether Hajiji should step down as chief minister.

Looking ahead to the upcoming state election, Michel revealed that Impian intends to contest all 73 state seats as an independent party.

Warisan challenges DAP’s stance

Warisan assemblyperson Calvin Chong has called on Sabah DAP to clarify its position on the state government following the corruption scandal.

According to Daily Express, the Elopura assemblyperson, questioned Sabah DAP’s commitment to anti-corruption principles, urging the party to withdraw its support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government if it stands firmly against corruption.

Earlier this week, Sabah DAP expressed support for the MACC’s ongoing investigation into the scandal while welcoming Hajiji’s assurance that no mining licences had been issued.

The party also urged the MACC to handle the case with transparency and integrity.

The DAP’s central executive committee has since given its Sabah chapter a mandate to review its position in the state government, signalling potential political shifts ahead.

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