Sabah scandal: Umno says stop blaming opposition, PKR backs CM

Summary 

• Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin refutes GRS accusations that the opposition is involved in the corruption video scandal.

• He points out that no opposition members were part of the internal negotiations captured on video.

• Sabah PKR expresses its full support for Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s leadership.

Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin has urged Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to stop accusing the opposition of being involved in the state’s corruption scandal.

Bung emphasised that Umno has consistently denied any involvement in creating or sharing the viral videos, but GRS vice-president Masiung Banah continued to shift public attention towards the opposition.

“In all the viral videos, including the one involving Masiung himself, it is clear that the negotiations shown only involved GRS representatives.

“No opposition members were present or involved in these internal dealings, which ultimately failed to reach any resolution,” he said in a statement.

Earlier today, Berita Harian reported that Masiung described the alleged corruption video as the opposition’s attempt to character-assassinate GRS representatives following their failed effort to overthrow the state government through Langkah Kinabalu (Kinabalu Move) in early 2023.

The controversy erupted in November following a series of exposés by Malaysiakini, where a whistleblower claimed to have evidence of corruption involving eight assemblypersons, including Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji dismissed the incriminating videos as “edited” and denied the corruption claims but later suggested the recorded conversations could have been about political donations.

‘Why no action?’

Bung, also the Kinabatangan MP, argued that the footage directly showed GRS representatives accepting money, with visual and audio evidence.

“This is clear proof of misconduct violating the law, with no connection to the opposition,” he said.

He further criticised the GRS-led government for failing to take action on the matter.

“If these allegations are false, why has no legal action been taken against the media or those spreading the videos? 

“Instead, they give vague statements such as ‘I’ve moved on with my work,’ and claims of ‘edited videos,’ which only raise more questions than answers,” he said.

Bung reminded the state government that the public has become increasingly mature and discerning.

“Such actions will only open their eyes to who is truly accountable in this matter,” he added.

Sabah PKR throws support behind Hajiji

In a separate statement, Sabah PKR Leadership Council secretary Sazalye Donol Abdullah expressed support and confidence in Hajiji to continue leading the state.

Sazalye stated that Sabah PKR firmly believes Hajiji can steer the state towards excellence, progress, and respect.

“We strongly oppose any effort to overthrow his government, as it would directly result in political instability and could lead to a new political crisis in Sabah. 

“We will continue to support Hajiji’s leadership as state leader, as his leadership has directly contributed to the formation of the unity government at the national level,” he said.

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