Pbs Acting Chief Denies Graft Allegations

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Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Joachim Gunsalam has hit back at those who levelled corruption allegations against him, calling it grossly irresponsible.
Regardless, he vowed to remain committed to carrying out his duties in the state government.
“I firmly deny the allegations implicating me in the purported bribery scandal involving Sabah mineral mining licences as reported by Malaysiakini.
“I will not be distracted by any attempts to discredit me and remain sincerely committed to carrying out my responsibilities as a member of the Sabah cabinet and Kundasang assemblyperson,” he said in a statement today.
On June 28, a source furnished Malaysiakini with the names of six more politicians purportedly involved in the mining scandal.
Those implicated include the top leaders of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) and PBS, both key components of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government.
Among them were Star president Jeffrey Kitingan and his two deputies, Ellron Alfred Angin and Robert Tawik; Gunsalam, his PBS predecessor Maximus Ongkili, and deputy president Jahid Jahim.
The source provided Malaysiakini with screenshots purportedly taken from video recordings involving the implicated leaders.
Malaysiakini was also shown brief excerpts of the recordings but was not allowed to reproduce them.
Stay focused
Gunsalam urged PBS members and supporters to remain calm and focused amid the allegations and continue working hard for the people.
“We need to continue listening, finding what can be improved, and doing our best to bring development to our beloved state.
“Rest assured, I will face this situation with a clear heart and conscience. I appreciate the continued support and trust of the people,” he added.
PBS deputy president Jahid JahimOn June 30, Jahid denied the allegations and stressed he did not receive funds related to mining licences.
“He (Jahid) stressed that he was not involved in any mining scandal as alleged and has never received any funds related to the approval or issuance of mining licences in Sabah, as his ministry is not involved in processing such licences.
“As the state assemblyperson for Tamparuli, he stated that there have been no exploration licences or any other mining-related licences approved and/or issued in his area,” Jahid said in a statement written in the third-person, posted on his Facebook.
‘Hidden hand’
Yesterday, Kitingan blamed a “hidden hand” aiming to destabilise the state government as the source of allegations linking him to the corruption scandal.
He questioned the timing of the scandal’s exposé and motives behind it while denying wrongdoing.
“We see that there is a hidden hand moving around and planning all this behind the scenes,” he added. - Mkini

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