Summary

  • Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Yusof Apdal says MACC should be aware that the Sabah corruption scandal is a matter of public interest which should be expedited.

  • The Warisan lawmaker expresses confidence in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's anti-corruption commitment.

A Warisan deputy minister said today that the MACC should be well aware of the need to expedite an ongoing probe into the Sabah graft scandal.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Yusof Apdal described the allegations involving a whistleblower, Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor and eight other assemblypersons, as a matter of public interest.

"This (case) is of public interest. MACC knows very well it’s a public interest case so definitely they know the need to expedite.

"The sooner they finish, the more the public will be satisfied," the Lahad Datu MP told Malaysiakini in Parliament.

Asked for comments on the predicted impact of the Sabah corruption scandal on Malaysia's Transparency-International Corruption Perception Index ranking next year, Yusof (above) conceded that this year's stagnant position at the 57th spot could mean there is a perception of oversight on related issues.

"However, I believe the government knows what to do so our ranking does not fall (next year).

"The prime minister has stated he will try his best to address the issue of corruption in the country.

"That does not mean just (cases) from Sabah alone, it has to be overall in the country to affect our global index," he said.

Anti-corruption commitment

Yesterday, Sabah Bersatu deputy chief Affan Jumahat, in response to the latest TI-M ranking, pointed out that four months have passed since the Sabah graft scandal emerged, but there has allegedly been no action.

Sabah Bersatu deputy chief Affan Jumahat

He claimed the alleged non-action proves Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to eradicating corruption is just an illusion.

Yusof, however, said he disagreed with the Bersatu leader and expressed confidence in Anwar's anti-corruption commitment.

"The prime minister will do something after he receives the full report on what is happening.

"It's not fair to make an early statement like that.

"When he receives the full report (from authorities), for sure (investigating) agencies will report to him, and then he will know what to do," said Yusof.

On Jan 25, MACC announced that it had completed two investigations related to the Sabah scandal.

Last week, the commission was forced to probe a new angle after the whistleblower claimed there was an alleged offer to settle the matter and implicated Membakut assemblyperson Arifin Arif.

Arifin, who is the son-in-law of Sabah governor Musa Aman, has denied the allegation.

Hajiji has since dismissed the corruption allegations as an attempt to tarnish his administration, suggesting that the whistleblower may be colluding with individuals pursuing vested political interests.