Sabah CM urged to remove speaker, reps implicated in graft scandal

Summary

• Warisan rep says Hajiji and the implicated assemblypersons have remained silent on the Sabah corruption scandal for far too long.

• If CM sacks them, it will show Sabahans that the state leader is committed to fighting graft, Wong adds.

Warisan assemblyperson Justin Wong has urged Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor to remove those implicated in a mineral licence graft scandal.

He made the call in reference to MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki stating that investigation papers have been submitted to the prosecutor’s office and charges could be levelled against several individuals.

“Following MACC’s announcement, Hajiji (above) is urged to remove the state assembly speaker (Kadzim Yahya) and the eight GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) assemblypersons involved in the corruption scandal from their positions to show Sabahans that he is serious and committed to fighting corruption, as he has previously claimed,” he added.

Among those implicated in the scandal are those with state ministerial portfolios.

Wong said the scandal has tarnished the reputation and image of Sabah, which is branded as the most corrupt state in Malaysia.

He said the chief minister and the implicated assemblypersons have remained silent on this matter for too long.

“Perhaps they are panicking and no longer know how to make excuses. Therefore, the people of Sabah demand an explanation and accountability from them.

“The people of Sabah hope that the prosecution process can be carried out soon,” added the Sri Tanjung assemblyperson.

Whistleblower’s cache of ‘evidence’

Previously, Hajiji had accused the whistleblower who revealed the scandal of colluding with parties with vested interests to undermine his administration.

The businessperson, identified as Albert, was also accused of wanting to monopolise mining activities in the state.

Since November last year, the 36-year-old businessperson has exposed a cache of video recordings and WhatsApp messages allegedly implicating multiple Sabah assemblypersons.

Albert claimed that he bribed the assemblypersons in return for mineral exploration licences.

Apart from submitting the full videos, the whistleblower also furnished MACC with nearly 300 pages of evidence, including, among others, witness names, WhatsApp conversations, call logs, and documents.

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