Mining Scandal Umno Adds Firepower To Bersatu S Salvo

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Hot on the heels of Bersatu’s “selective prosecution” salvo in Parliament over the mining scandal, Sabah Umno has now added more firepower to the offensive.
Joining Bersatu vice-president Ronald Kiandee, Sabah Umno strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman also questioned why only two Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblypersons were charged.
He said the matter deserves special attention as it raises serious questions about justice and transparency in the prosecution process by the authorities.
“I would like to stress that the principle of the rule of law must be upheld regardless of rank, position, or political affiliation.
“If it is true that there are state assemblypersons involved in corruption and abuse of power scandals related to the issuance of mineral licences in this state, then action must be taken against all those involved, not just two individuals,” he added in a statement.
Datu Rosman (above) said prosecuting only a selected few creates the perception of “selective and politically motivated” prosecution.
“This not only tarnishes the image of enforcement agencies but also erodes public confidence in the justice system in this country - especially in Sabah,” he added.
Implicated leaders
In the Dewan Rakyat earlier, Kiandee, who also heads Sabah Bersatu, pointed out that the two who were charged - Sabah Assistant Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Andi Suryady Bandy and Sindumin assemblyperson Yusof Yacob - do not hold positions in GRS.
Bersatu vice-president Ronald Kiandee“But the question is, what action will be taken against the other six?” he said, noting that all of them hold positions in GRS.
Apart from the eight accused of accepting bribes in exchange for mineral exploration licences, six more GRS leaders - from Star and PBS - were also implicated in the scandal in June.
MACC has not indicated if it is investigating the six as well.
Since last November, businessperson Albert Tei had released a slew of videos and screenshots of WhatsApp messages which implicated the assemblypersons, including state legislative assembly speaker Kadzim Yahya.
Tei was also charged with two counts of bribing Andi Suryady and Yusof. - Mkini

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