GRS men say criticism of Dr Yusof’s appointment as Sabah Development Board chairman merely ‘premature politicisation’

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 16): Criticism levelled at the appointment of Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob as Sabah Development Berhad (SDB) chairman has been labelled as “premature politicisation”.

According to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) activist Aksyah Nasrah, arguments against the appointment are legally unfounded as there has been no court conviction against Dr Yusof.

Although the former Sindumin assemblyman is facing corruption charges, Aksyah said the matter remains before the courts and fundamental legal principles must be upheld.

“In a country that upholds the rule of law, an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is inappropriate for the Opposition to pass judgement before the court has made a decision,” he said in a statement.

Aksyah cited Dr Yusof’s achievements, particularly as Qhazanah Sabah chairman, pointing out there were no allegations of breach of trust or abuse of power, and that the company continues to operate effectively.

He called on Opposition parties to fulfil their role of checks and balances, rather than just rejecting every decision made by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He also accused the Opposition of practising double standards, citing a past corruption case involving former chief minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal, which was only discontinued after the latter assumed office.

Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Likas chief Mohd Bahrin Abdul Karim acknowledged Dr Yusof’s appointment had drawn attention due to the ongoing court case.

He said Gagasan Rakyat supported the Chief Minister’s decision, reiterating that Dr Yusof had denied any wrongdoing, cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and pleaded not guilty.

“An ongoing court case should not be equated with a conviction, nor should it automatically disqualify an individual from holding a position in a government-linked company,” he said, warning that politicising such appointments could undermine public confidence in the legal system and public institutions.

He urged the Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sabah and other critics to adopt a more mature approach by respecting the judicial process and allowing the courts to carry out their duties without external pressure or negative public perception.

Last year, Dr Yusof and then Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy were charged with corruption in connection with mining licences.

They were accused of receiving bribes totalling RM350,000 from businessman Datuk Albert Tei to help secure approval for a mineral prospecting licence. Both claimed trial.