Mining scandal casts shadow over Sabah Cabinet’s corruption-free pledge, says Kapayan rep

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 26): Kapayan assemblyman Chin Tek Ming has questioned the credibility of the corruption-free pledge signed by Sabah Cabinet members led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor at Menara Kinabalu recently.

Chin said the ceremony raised serious concerns in light of the ongoing mining scandal, in which several senior state leaders were allegedly implicated through a series of videos.

“It is difficult for the public to accept this pledge when investigations into serious allegations involving senior leaders are still not resolved,” he said in a statement.

He pointed out that although more than a dozen videos linked to the mining scandal have surfaced, only two individuals — Datuk Yusof Yacob and Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady — have been charged in court so far.

Chin questioned whether the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was conducting its investigations thoroughly and without undue delay.

“As a lawyer with over 25 years of experience in criminal cases, including corruption matters, I find it hard to understand why investigations are taking so long, especially when the alleged methods appear similar,” he said.

He also said the presence of Sabah MACC director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah at the pledge ceremony could give rise to concerns about the perception of independence.

Chin urged MACC to expedite investigations into reports lodged by whistleblower Dato’ Albert Tei and to make the findings public to restore confidence.

“Public trust can only be restored through transparent investigations and clear action,” he said, adding that the government should pay attention to public reaction and address the concerns openly.