Albert Reveals Mining Project Support Letter Kitingan Says No Comment

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Businessperson Albert Tei has produced an alleged support letter by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan for a sand mining licence application in Balambangan Island.
The latest revelation followed the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president’s denial of being involved in the mining scandal and describing himself as a “conservationist”. 
In the alleged letter dated April 25, 2022, addressed to Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, Kitingan had allegedly vouched for the sand mining licence application in Balambangan Island in Sabah, which is a joint venture effort with Yayasan Sabah. 
“After reviewing the proposal from the company, I fully support and agree with their statement that the project will create a lot of jobs for residents and contribute to Yayasan Sabah and the state government’s coffers.
“As such, I hope Datuk Seri (Hajiji) will support and give full approval for this project,” read the letter.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey KitinganWhen contacted for his response regarding the alleged letter, Kitingan replied: “No comment, sir.”
Yesterday, Tei released a video recording of his conversation with Kitingan, whom he alleged had received the largest payout of all in the Sabah mining scandal.
Tei also said that the sum purportedly given to the Keningau MP was RM1.78 million - higher than the RM1.6 million figure mentioned in the clip.
The meeting allegedly happened at a seafood restaurant in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 13, 2024, and revolved around the cancellation of mining exploration licences.
‘Cannot recall conversation’ 
Earlier today, Kitingan denied the accusation, adding he could not “really recall” having a conversation with Tei over a sum of money as depicted in the video.
A screenshot of the video recordingKitingan said the conversation appeared to be about political donations “years ago before the election” and claimed they had nothing to do with the mining scandal that implicated a slew of Sabah assemblypersons.
Meanwhile, Tei claimed that the letter, allegedly signed by Kitingan, proves that the Keningau MP is directly involved in the scandal.
He said that Kitingan’s remark that he “could not really recall” his conversation with the businessperson would not save him.
Albert Tei“As for his claims on political donations, I challenge him to produce an official letter seeking contributions, official receipts, annual audit reports that mention my name as a contributor, bank statements, and the sum contributed,” he added. 
Tei, who has been charged together with two assemblypersons in connection with the scandal, vowed to release “more evidence”. 
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has said that the commission is investigating the allegation against Kitingan.
- Mkini

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