Graft scandal: Sabah mining group wants MACC to act against CM

Summary

• The Sabah Mining Operators Association (PPGS) urges the authorities to take action against Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in relation to the corruption scandal plaguing his administration.

• The group says Hajiji is aware of what transpired and it would be ‘impossible and illogical’ to claim otherwise.

• They add that all exploration licenses ultimately fall under Hajiji’s approval.

  ---

The Sabah Mining Operators Association (PPGS) has called on the authorities to take action against Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in relation to the corruption scandal plaguing his administration.

The association accused the chief minister, who is also the Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chairperson, of being aware of what transpired.

PPGS said it would be “impossible and illogical” to claim otherwise.

The whistleblower, known as "Albert", who exposed the scandal, is a member of the mining association.

PPGS also demanded an explanation from the MACC on whether the six remaining assemblypersons and state assembly speaker would be prosecuted.

“Why are only two assemblypersons being charged in court on June 30? What about the other seven involved? The MACC must act firmly and fairly in fulfilling its mandate, without bias or selective prosecution.

“The two being charged are merely considered the ‘tails’ of the GRS government. What about action against the head’ of GRS - the chief minister?” the group said in reference to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah state government.

“All matters concerning natural resources in Sabah fall under the management and absolute authority of the chief minister.

“Therefore, all approvals of exploration licenses are ultimately Hajiji’s decisions,” the group said, referring to the documents disclosed by Albert.

Passing the buck

Yesterday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said that only three people - two assemblypersons and Albert - would be charged in relation to the scandal.

“As for questions about whether there will be other arrests, I cannot comment. For now, the deputy public prosecutor agreed to charge the trio. As for the rest, it’s up to the DPP,” he said.

This is despite the fact that the whistleblower submitted the full recordings of all the videos, handed over a phone containing WhatsApp messages and nearly 300 pages of evidence to the MACC.

Previously, Hajiji, who denied any elements of corruption, had accused the whistleblower of colluding with parties with vested interests to undermine his administration.

Why charge Albert?

Albert was also accused of attempting to monopolise mining activities in the state and resorting to fraudulent means to achieve this, which he has denied.

The mining association also expressed regret that Albert would be charged on June 30 as well.

“What is the purpose of the Whistleblower Protection Act in our country?

“If complainants or witnesses exposing corruption are also arrested and prosecuted, who would dare come forward to reveal corrupt practices in the future?

“Clearly, the act does not encourage but rather discourages whistleblowers from exposing wrongdoing,” it added.

May you never be silenced, Zaid salutes brave Sabah students

Cops release student activists arrested over Sabah anti-graft rally

Clear your name in court like I did, Zahid tells Sabah reps nabbed by MACC

World Whistleblower Day: Don't persecute those who tell the truth, says TI