Jeffrey Kitingan Gives Statement To Macc After Another Sabah Mining Licence Scandal Video Surfaces

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Sabah STAR information chief Anuar Ghani confirmed that Kitingan went to the MACC office in Kota Kinabalu this afternoon. — Picture by Julia ChanKOTA KINABALU, Sept 25 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has given his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following the release of another video linking him to the state’s mining licensing scandal.
Sabah STAR information chief Anuar Ghani confirmed that Kitingan went to the MACC office in Kota Kinabalu this afternoon to assist the probe.
It is unclear when Kitingan gave his statement, but Anuar said several other leaders named in the video were also called in to give theirs.
“Kitingan did not, in any form or shape, state any knowledge or acceptance of the alleged funds mentioned in the ‘leaked’ video,” Anuar said, adding that the deputy chief minister is also expected to lodge a police report.
Anuar described the video — allegedly recorded by a businessman using spy cameras — as part of a conspiracy to “discredit and destroy” Kitingan.
“First, the video, as disseminated, has been tampered with and could easily have been manipulated using artificial intelligence,” he said.
He pointed out that an earlier video involving businessman Datuk Albert Tei had “absolved and exonerated” Kitingan and Sabah STAR from any link to the mining scandal.
“This demonstrates the fear held by the Opposition and other concerned parties regarding Kitingan’s political stance and Sabah’s fluid political landscape.
“So much so that they are willing to stoop to any level to implicate and associate him with any alleged wrongdoing — all of which is strongly denied,” Anuar added.
This is not the first time Kitingan has been questioned by MACC over similar recordings.
“If the MACC decides to press any charges, the president of Sabah STAR and the other officers will defend to their utmost their innocence and non-culpability in a court of law.
“Let the law take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
The latest video was released by a businessman through news portal Malaysiakini on Wednesday. 
Since November last year, several clips alleging bribery involving Gabungan Rakyat Sabah cabinet ministers and assemblymen have surfaced.
Two assemblymen and the businessman himself have since been charged in court. - malaymail

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