The incumbent GRS-led Sabah state government had to stand firm against “cartels” allegedly attempting to manipulate and monopolise the state’s mineral licence application process, according to caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor.

The GRS chairperson, who had been accused of receiving a bribe in connection with the mining scandal, reportedly said the state government set up Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd to oversee all mineral resources, and that all licence approvals were subject to a legitimate and transparent process.