Sabah Umno Hajiji Must Reassess Ministers Linked To Graft Scandal

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Sabah Umno today called on Chief Minister Hajiji Noor to consider re-evaluating state ministers who are implicated in the mining licence corruption scandal.
ADSIn a statement today, Sabah Umno strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman said that Hajiji is facing an “uncertainty crisis” in his administration, while Sabahans are experiencing a “confidence crisis” and are doubting the state government’s credibility.
“Media reports regarding the submission of investigation papers by the MACC to the Attorney-General’s Chambers concerning the mining scandal in Sabah serve as clear evidence that the Sabah government’s administration under the chief minister’s leadership is now burdened with serious allegations that tarnish the state administration’s integrity,” Datu Rosman said.
He lamented that the scandal, allegedly involving several state legislative assembly members from the government bloc, had not only brought shame to the government institution but also reflected Hajiji’s failure to uphold clean and transparent governance.
Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman“The chief minister cannot continue to wash his hands of this matter. He must take full responsibility for the integrity damage that has occurred among his cabinet ministers.
“The chief minister needs to consider reassessing the positions of the ministers involved in order to restore confidence in the state government institution,” Datu Rosman said.
He added that although MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has stated that the videos related to the scandal were excessively edited, the completed investigation papers and the possibility that several individuals will be charged show that there is justifiable basis for allegations of corruption and abuse of power concerning mineral exploration in the state.
Possible charges by MACC
Azam yesterday confirmed that the agency has completed its investigation paper on the Sabah corruption scandal.
He told Bernama that the case could lead to charges against several individuals.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiA source also told the national news agency that the MACC had completed its probe on a video involving a Sabah state assemblyperson.
The source said the graft buster had sent the investigation paper to the prosecution for review two weeks ago.
On April 29, Azam said the forensic analysis of 10 video clips implicating Hajiji and the assemblypersons submitted to the commission on March 11 would be completed the following week.
ADSThat same day, the whistleblower, only identified as Albert, submitted additional evidence comprising nearly 300 pages, including, among others, witness names, WhatsApp conversations, call logs, and documents.
Since November last year, the 36-year-old businessperson has exposed a cache of video recordings and WhatsApp messages allegedly implicating multiple Sabah assemblypersons, including the state legislative assembly speaker, in a corruption scandal.
Albert claimed that he had paid bribes to secure mineral exploration licences, but decided to come forward after those licences were abruptly revoked.
In response, Hajiji accused the whistleblower of conspiring with parties with vested interests to destabilise his administration.
Albert faces counter-allegations of attempting to monopolise the state’s mining sector through fraudulent means. - Mkini

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