Jeffrey cries foul after 'war will begin' clip implicates him in anti-CM plot

Summary

• Jeffrey Kitingan rejects allegations of plotting against Sabah chief minister, calls them politically motivated.

• A screenshot suggesting a "war" against Hajiji is dismissed by Jeffrey as taken out of context.

• Amid corruption investigations, Jeffrey reaffirms support for Hajiji.

Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah Star) president Jeffrey Kitingan has vehemently denied allegations of conspiring against Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor. 

This follows the circulation of a video containing a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation suggesting Jeffrey’s prior knowledge of videos implicating several assemblypersons in a corruption scandal.

“The accusation is categorically false, misleading, and politically motivated. I believe it is aimed at dividing us, GRS, and Sabahans as we approach the state elections,” he said in a statement.

Jeffrey, who serves as deputy chief minister I, acknowledged the video’s circulation on social media but dismissed any suggestion of a conspiracy.

“No such conspiracy exists or has ever existed. Sabah Star and I have fully supported Hajiji as chief minister since 2020, and our support has not wavered despite various challenges,” he added.

‘Out of context’

Jeffrey claimed the screenshot, allegedly dated Nov 1, 2024, featured a “fragment of a conversation taken out of context to falsely substantiate the accusations”.

“Furthermore, these allegations appear to coincide with recent unfounded accusations against the Sabah state government, which are currently under investigation by MACC. I trust the authorities will reveal the truth in due course,” he stated.

Jeffrey reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity, political stability, and Sabah’s continued development. He warned against attempts to destabilise the state government.

“I call upon the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to reject malicious narratives aimed at sowing discord. I will continue to focus on serving the people of Sabah with integrity and transparency,” he concluded.

‘War will begin soon’

The controversy centres on a screenshot from the alleged WhatsApp conversation. 

In the exchange, Jeffrey was reportedly informed that the “war would begin very soon (perang akan bermula very soon).” Jeffrey allegedly replied, “When?” The other party responded, “Next week,” followed by “Good day boss” and “Hajiji would be charged in court.”

The video surfaced after Jeffrey defended Hajiji against calls from Sabah Umno that he should replace the embattled chief minister. 

Quizzed if the screenshot in the video was a conversation between him and Jeffrey, the whistleblower, who released the videos, replied: “No comment.”

Earlier, Kalabakan Umno Youth leader Mohamad Alias Udin questioned if Jeffrey was the “mastermind” behind the whistleblower who released the videos.

Alias highlighted that since the whistleblower’s revelations, Sabah Umno had been implicated, but the most recent video pointed the finger elsewhere.

He raised questions about the messages reading “Good day boss” and “Hajiji would be charged in court,” asking if Jeffrey was orchestrating a “coup” against the chief minister.

Meanwhile, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that 15 individuals, including the whistleblower, have been questioned in relation to the alleged corruption scandal.

This latest controversy involving Jeffrey adds another layer of complexity to Sabah’s already charged political landscape.

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