'Waste of funds', says Warisan on 3-month birthday bash for Musa Aman

Summary

• Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking says it is unwise to use state funds for the three-month celebration.

• He says the money should be used to address the state government’s failures and shortcomings.

Sabah, the state with the highest poverty rate in the nation, is set to host a three-month birthday celebration for its newly appointed governor, Musa Aman.

News of the festivities comes as the MACC investigates several assemblypersons - including the governor’s son-in-law Arifin Arif - over alleged bribes linked to mineral exploration licences.

For Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, using public funds for such an extended celebration is unacceptable.

“Personally, if the expenses are covered by private funds rather than taxpayer money - often branded as government funds- then there’s no issue,” he said in a Facebook post.

“However, holding a three-month-long celebration using public funds or revenue from Sabah’s natural resources is an issue. Please don’t waste taxpayer money on excessively long events. Isn’t there already a designated public holiday for this?” Leiking said in a Facebook post.

The Moyog assemblyperson argued that a single-day event is sufficient, and state funds should be prioritised for essential needs such as student scholarships, road repairs, skill development, and community improvements.

“No need to be angry... I’m probably just one of a handful of people who object to this wasteful spending, especially when the government should be focusing on its failures and shortcomings,” he said to those who might criticise him over his views.

"Strangely enough, I have a feeling even the TYT (governor) himself might not support this crazy proposal from his administration,” he added.

The Star reported that Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joachim Gunsalam said a series of events will take place from Musa’s birthday on March 30 until June 21.

Corruption scandal

On Feb 3, the businessperson who exposed the Sabah scandal claimed that Musa’s son-in-law had offered him a settlement.

Two days later, Arifin lodged a police report against the Malaysiakini article. Less than 24 hours later, the businessperson lodged a counter-report against the state minister.

The police have not disclosed the status of the investigations into both reports.

Since last November, the businessperson has revealed nine videos and a trove of WhatsApp messages implicating the assemblypersons, including Arifin.

The businessperson claimed the videos and messages documented the bribes he gave the assemblypersons in exchange for mineral exploration licences.

Chief Minister Hajiji Noor accused the whistleblower of colluding with those with vested interests to undermine his administration.

The businessperson is also accused of being part of a cartel seeking to monopolise mining in the state.

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