Warisan supreme council member Mudi Dubing has turned up the heat on Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) CEO Natasha Sim, demanding a clear-cut answer over a private jet scandal.

“The simple question Sim needs to answer is this: Has she ever boarded the private jet in question together with several individuals whose photo is now circulating widely on social media?

“This question does not require a lengthy explanation. Only one answer is needed - yes or no,” he added in a statement.

Urging Sim to issue an official response herself, Mudi reminded her that the answer would serve as potential evidence in court, should the need arise.

Referring to SMM’s statement concerning the photograph yesterday, the Warisan leader said the people of Sabah are not interested in “vague excuses, spin, or drawn-out narratives”.

“Therefore, I urge Sim not to evade the matter, but to provide an official and open explanation to the people of Sabah. I would also like to remind her of this saying: ‘Bangkai gajah tidak dapat ditutup dengan nyiru (An elephant carcass cannot be hidden with a winnowing basket).

“The people of Sabah today are aware, discerning, and will not stay silent on any issue that involves the integrity and interests of the state's natural resources,” he added.

‘False, misleading and defamatory’

Yesterday, SMM denied any wrongdoing with regard to the photo showing Sim, company secretary Emily Chong and Sabah timber tycoon Elbert Lim standing with luggage next to the jet allegedly owned by an Indonesian coal magnate.

The state-owned company, whose chairperson is Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, described the media reports that followed as “false, misleading and defamatory”.

It said an internal inquiry concluded in February had found no conflict of interest, personal gain, or undue influence in relation to the incident.

SMM also clarified that it is not a licensing authority and that its CEO does not have the power to grant or approve any licences.

The company believes the re-emergence of the August 2024 photo may be politically motivated, given its ongoing lawsuit against former CEO Jontih Enggihon and businessperson Albert Tei.

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