Kota Kinabalu: Withdrawing from the State Government before investigations into a mining scandal are concluded is premature and inconsistent with the rule of law, Sabah DAP was told.
Abdul Rahman Yakub, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, reminded the Pakatan Harapan partner in the ruling GRS State Government that one is innocent until proven guilty.
It was also noted that new Sabah DAP led by Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe appeared split on the controversy, with Sabah DAP Secretary-cum Sandakan MP Vivian Wong actually praising Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for cancelling Prospecting Licences for mining issued to a cartel that is seen bent on revenge.
Although DAP Sec-Gen Anthony Loke did not explicitly state that Sabah DAP would end its collaboration with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, his remarks granting the party autonomy hinted at the possibility of such a decision by the new Sabah DAP leadership who were elected to office recently.
Abdul Rahman urged all parties in the unity government to respect the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “We must show our respect and confidence in national leadership, as outlined under Malaysia Madani,” he said.
He noted the Prime Minister had assured that investigations would be conducted transparently and independently.
“Isn’t this what we want and have consistently called for all this while?” he said.
Abdul Rahman said Vivian’s earlier acknowledgment of the Chief Minister’s decision was accurate.
“Behind all these rumours that came from these edited videos, one clear fact is that the Chief Minister did not issue licences and give mining areas to any party.
“Hence, all parties should praise and thank the Chief Minister for his firm action,” he said.
“I believe that DAP and PKR, which have long been consistent in supporting the Prime Minister, will remain steadfast in addressing the current issues being played up,” he added.
Meanwhile, GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai urged Sabah DAP to prioritise the State’s political stability.
“I am of the view that it is critical for all parties within the State Government, including DAP, to prioritise and safeguard the prevailing political stability, especially during this challenging period.
“As investigations into the corruption allegations are ongoing, it is imperative that we focus on implementing the initiatives outlined in the recently approved 2025 State budget.
“While the principles of good governance and a clean administration must remain a priority, ensuring political stability is equally vital to the state’s progress,” the state assistant minister told FMT.
Sabah PKR said it was also of the view that anyone involved in corruption should be probed and punished, if convicted.
Its Information Chief Razeef Rakimin noted that Hajiji did not appear to be involved in the purported scandal.
Razeef previously said the state government should be allowed to function as usual while the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission probed the allegations.
“In fact, the chief minister’s actions of barring this problematic individual (the apparent whistleblower) from plundering Sabah’s resources should be appreciated.
“Let us give MACC enough room to conduct its investigations without being disturbed by anyone,” he told FMT.
A series of videos linking several Sabah assemblymen to an alleged mining scandal was viewed as part of an Umno-led plot against the GRS government.
The videos, leaked by a purported whistleblower, led to Sabah Umno demanding Hajiji’s resignation as Chief Minister.
Sabah Umno denied masterminding the exposé while GRS components have defended their coalition chairman in the face of calls for his resignation.
MACC has said it is investigating the purported whistleblower who allegedly has information related to corrupt practices involving several Sabah assemblymen regarding prospecting licence approvals.
The anti-graft body’s chief, Azam Baki, said the purported whistleblower had provided a statement to the anti-graft agency but declined to submit evidence he claimed was in his possession.
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