Sabah Scandal Grs Leader Hopes For Speedy Probe Result Before Polls

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A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) senior leader has expressed hope for MACC to conclude investigations into the alleged corruption scandal involving several state leaders and announce their findings as soon as possible.
Armizan Mohd Ali, who is the GRS deputy secretary-general, said it is imperative for the rakyat to know the outcome of the probe before the state election this year.
“I hope all the investigations can be carried out quickly, so we can get to know their outcomes and actions from the probes.
“Then only we would know the real situation.
“(I hope) as soon as possible. I think it is important for the rakyat to know the truth,” he told Malaysiakini during an exclusive interview.
Armizan, who is also the domestic trade and costs of living minister, was asked to comment on the recent scandal in Sabah and how the party plans to mitigate its impact before they go to the polls.
The scandal saw several senior Sabah leaders and elected representatives implicated in a series of video clips, where they were allegedly caught discussing bribes related to a mineral mining licence.
On Thursday, MACC chief Azam Baki said they are waiting for the forensic analysis report into the videos and vowed there will be no cover-ups.
For the record, the current Sabah state legislative assembly term will expire in October.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiAsked whether the GRS-led state government plans to dissolve the assembly any sooner and if they have decided a date, Armizan said he does not know for sure but indicated there were some suggestions.
“Some said we should do it early, while others suggested we call the election after the next Kaamatan Festival (end of May).
“Then some suggested that we better wait after the state announces its budget (for 2026), as a strategy.
“There were also those who believe we should wait until this term ends,” Armizan said.
Hope for a united Sabah
Meanwhile, during the interview, the Papar MP also spoke about his hope to see all politicians and parties in Sabah get united.
Armizan believed the state would be stronger and have better bargaining power if the various parties could come under one roof like Sarawak’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Responding to a question, he agreed that Sabah is not as assertive as Sarawak when it comes to demanding the state’s rights as promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“I think partly because we are divided, we don’t have one voice. If one group says one thing, the other group won’t support it.
“So when we don’t have a solid and united voice, it is difficult for us to push any proposal or view to the federal government and to negotiate with Putrajaya,” he said.
Asked if he foresees Sabah would be able to have a united front like GPS anytime soon, Armizan answered “hopefully”, but admitted that it won’t be easy.
He pointed out that the state is different from Sarawak, as Sabah has national parties in the government administration.
“I wish all the leaders in Sabah, at one time, they can sit together and work together in a united front.
“If we love Sabah and want to defend the state’s interests, we must not be divided.” - Mkini

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