Sabah Govt Has Final Say On Who Enters State Cm

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Sabah holds the authority to decide who may enter the state, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said today.
This is after businessperson Albert Tei - who is on trial for allegedly bribing two Sabah politicians - faced restrictions in entering the state to attend court.
“The state government has absolute power to decide who can or cannot enter Sabah,” Hajiji told reporters after launching the Kedai Jujur 2025 programme at SK Mutiara in Kota Kinabalu today.
He stressed that enforcement would only follow after security agencies submitted complete reports and information.
ADSYesterday Tei's lawyers revealed that the businessperson was initially barred from entering Sabah upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu Airport.
He was only let in after furnishing documentation that he was supposed to attend court.
Prosecutors in his corruption case today said they would liaise with Sabah authorities to ensure smoother entry.
Albert cries sabotage
During a press conference after his court appearance today, Tei accused Hajiji of trying to sabotage the corruption trial.
Businessperson Albert Tei“I am not a person who brings violence to Sabah. I came to defend myself, to seek justice in court.
"It is very clear he was trying to stop me. If I cannot enter Sabah, I cannot attend court. That means the court case will be thrown out, which saves the two accused politicians.
“I want to tell him, I am not afraid. I will not bow to his actions. Charge me if you want. I am ready to face it. But charge the others too. Don’t use these tactics to make it difficult for me,” he said.
Insurance payout for flood victims
Separately, Hajiji commented on whether the next-of-kin of the 13 who died in the recent Sabah floods and landslides were entitled to payouts under the Sabah People’s Insurance Scheme.
“I have discussed with the Finance Ministry to channel aid related to deaths under the scheme. I will review and ensure whether they qualify or not,” he said.
He noted that while the eligibility review was still underway, the state had already provided immediate assistance.
“Through the Sabah Welfare Foundation, we have given RM10,000 to each bereaved family. The state government has also channelled another RM10,000,” he added.
Further checks will be made to see if the insurance coverage extends to the victims. - Mkini

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