Sabah Bersatu: MACC chief should follow Latheefa to align with PM's stand

Summary

• Sabah Bersatu chief Ronald Kiandee tells MACC chief to follow his predecessor on the corruption scandal videos.

• He claims that Azam Baki’s remarks appeared to contradict Anwar Ibrahim’s “zero tolerance” for graft.

Sabah Bersatu stated that MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s remarks regarding the videos appeared to contradict Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s assertion of “zero tolerance” for corruption.

To align more closely with the prime minister’s statement that no one would be spared, Sabah Bersatu chief Ronald Kiandee called on the MACC chief to heed the words of his predecessor, Latheefa Koya.

“Sabah Bersatu urges MACC to reconsider the statement made by its former chief commissioner who asserted that the corruption scandal videos is evidence that must be investigated.

“Latheefa also stated that she disagreed with Azam’s claim that edited videos cannot be used as evidence,” he added in a statement this afternoon.

Kiandee (above) said he is confident that MACC will act in line with the prime minister’s statement that he does not care about the rank or position of those involved in corruption.

“I also believe that MACC does not wish for the Madani government to be labeled as unserious in fighting corruption or as practising selective investigation and prosecution,” he added.

Zero tolerance for graft

Yesterday, Anwar, when speaking about the national defence sector, emphasised that he would not allow any party to engage in corruption or abuse of power.

“I don’t care how big or powerful you are, I will not allow it because it will undermine, betray, and weaken our national defence system,” he said.

Last November, a businessperson released a slew of videos implicating several ruling Sabah assemblypersons in a corruption scandal.

The businessperson claimed that he had bribed the assemblypersons in exchange for mineral exploration licences.

Subsequently, he also revealed a trove of WhatsApp conversations detailing the alleged transactions.

Earlier this month, the whistleblower also alleged that he was offered a “settlement” through Sabah Governor Musa Aman’s son-in-law and Membakut assemblyperson Arifin Mohd Arif.

Arifin, who was one the assemblypersons in the videos, described the allegation as slander.

Previously, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor denied any wrongdoing on the part of his administration, saying the corruption allegations were an attempt to tarnish his and the state government’s reputation ahead of the Sabah polls.

He also suggested that the whistleblower, who is accused of being part of a cartel seeking to monopolise mining activities in the state, is collaborating with those with vested interests.

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