Masidi describes graft allegation as 'irritation' that does not deter him

Summary

• Sabah Finance Minister Masidi Manjun dismisses corruption allegations related to mining exploration licences.

• The allegations stem from a video where a whistleblower claims to have offered a bribe of RM300,000 to Masidi for his help with a licence, which Masidi and his aide deny.

• Despite the accusations, Masidi asserts that the government's track record should be the focus ahead of the state election.

Sabah Finance Minister Masidi Manjun has “moved beyond” the corruption allegation against him in relation to the issuance of mining exploration licences in the state.

“I’ve moved on beyond the issue so I can do my job. These are the sort of irritations that come once in a while but should not deter me from doing my job.

“Let the MACC do its job fairly. If they need an additional statement I am also ready to give it to them.

“I was more than happy to cooperate. I even volunteered without waiting to be called because really, there is nothing to hide,’ he was quoted as saying by the Daily Express.

Masidi (above) stressed that with state elections around the corner, the most important campaign material is the government’s track record readily assessed by the people.

“If we did our job well then we don’t need to talk up and down about politics as long as the people can judge for themselves the promises delivered for their benefit,” he added.

According to the Daily Express, Masidi was asked to comment on a video clip released by a whistleblower who was “heard mentioning expressing intent to make a political contribution to the party through an aide, which never materialised”.

However, the whistleblower had maintained that the sum offered was not a political donation but a bribe in relation to the licence.

In the video related to Masidi, the whistleblower, who offered the bribe, can be heard telling the minister that he has handed over RM300,000.

READ MORE: Sabah videos Part 1: 'RM300k in bag' and 'RM500k in installments'

The same video also featured a meeting between the businessperson and the minister’s aide, Johari Suhaimin.

“You were in the (minister’s) office when I brought the bag (with the cash)… which I passed to the minister?” asked the businessperson, to which Johari answered in the affirmative.

More evidence

Last month, the whistleblower also revealed his WhatsApp messages with the minister and the other politicians implicated after Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor suggested that the money could be political donations.

He alleged that Masidi, also the Karanaan assemblyperson, was offered RM3 million and 15 percent of “free shares” in a company seeking a mineral exploration licence.

These incentives were allegedly in exchange for his assistance.

Masidi and his aide have denied the allegation.

Yesterday, Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking accused the MACC of inaction regarding the alleged corruption and abuse of power scandal.

“MACC seems inactive, and those accused appear to be healing (at ease) as if nothing had been committed.

“It makes my blood boil, thinking that nothing is being done to rope those alleged corrupt actors,” he said.

Has Hajiji been quizzed on leaked videos, Warisan Youth asks MACC

MACC looking to complete Sabah graft probe before end-January

'This is business, not politics' - RM500k linked to Sindumin rep

'Please wrap package' - RM400k linked to deputy chief minister

Whistleblower: Rubin made misleading statements on business interests

'When, how, where' - RM450k linked to Sabah assistant minister

'Cash and bank transfer' - RM360k linked to Tempasuk rep

'No projects, no kemasukan' - RM400k linked to Kuamut rep

'When, how, where' - RM500k linked to Musa Aman's son-in-law