Ngos Reformist Pm Harapan Must Defend Public S Right To Know About Glcs

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Several NGOs have expressed “grave concern” over a legal letter from Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) to Malaysiakini, questioning whether a government-linked company (GLC) should be permitted to silence the media.
In a joint statement, Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama), Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia (Haram), and Engage urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Harapan to make a stand.
“Starting from Anwar and his Harapan, all politicians and political parties at both the federal and state levels who call themselves reformists must defend the right of the public to know on the management and integrity of GLCs and GLICs (government-linked investment companies), prohibiting these companies from abusing the legal process to silence media, prevent scrutiny and obstruct whistleblowing.
“If no changes happen before the next federal or state election, then this should be made an election issue,” they added.
The NGOs noted that SMM, whose chairperson is Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, is not a private firm but a state GLC that is ultimately responsible to taxpayers and the public.
Sabah CM Hajiji Noor“Thus, the legal demand raises a pertinent question - should GLCs be allowed to silence media and prevent public scrutiny? If so, what is there to protect public interest?” they asked.
The NGOs said the question is not legal, but political, concerning accountability and transparency.
“It concerns not just SMM but the extensive network of GLCs and GLICs at both the national and state levels – including state investment arms such as the Menteri Besar Incorporated/Chief Minister Incorporated (MBIs/CMIs), or State Economic Development Corporations (SEDCs) and their subsidiaries,” they added.
Demand better, stand with Mkini
The NGOs also called on Malaysians, especially Sabahans, to demand enhancement into the governance and regulation of GLCs and GLICs, and stand in solidarity with Malaysiakini.
On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that it received a legal letter from legal firm Chin Lau Wong & Foo, which is representing SMM after the news portal published an article which quoted the whistleblower in the Sabah corruption scandal alleging that he was offered a settlement.
The firm said it has obtained an injunction from the Kota Kinabalu High Court in relation to SMM’s lawsuit against its ex-CEO Jontih Enggihon and an external third party Tei Jiann Chieng.
“We note with concern that the article contains information and references to the process of licensing for mining, which is the subject of the ongoing legal proceedings and constitutes a breach of the said injunction.
“Under the law, including the principles of contempt of court, any third party with actual knowledge of an injunction order who knowingly assists or facilitates a breach of such an order may be liable for contempt,” read the letter. - Mkini

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