Muda Sabah questions naming of Dr Yusof as SDB chairman as mineral scandal unresolved

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 16): The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Sabah has demanded an official explanation from the state government on its decision to appoint Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob as Sabah Development Berhad (SDB) chairman.

The party said the appointment must be reviewed to safeguard Sabah’s image as a state of integrity and credibility.

“Good governance is not merely a slogan; it must be demonstrated through principled and responsible decisions,” Muda Sabah region acting chairperson Faezrah Rizalman said in a statement.

She said Dr Yusof’s appointment raises serious questions about the government’s genuine commitment to strengthening governance of government-linked companies (GLCs).

The appointment was made while issues surrounding a video recording related to the mineral scandal have yet to be fully explained and continue to attract public attention, she said.

“Barely a month after the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor) expressed his intention to overhaul GLC leadership in order to restore public confidence, this move clearly contradicts the spirit of GRS that was promised.

“It sends a confusing signal to the people, particularly young Sabahans who hope for a state administration driven by the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability,” she stated.

She pointed out SDB is a strategic entity responsible for managing the state’s development funds and assets.

“Therefore, its leadership should be helmed by an individual who is not only experienced, but also free from any controversy that could undermine the institution’s reputation and investor confidence.

“The appointment of a figure still overshadowed by a high-profile issue only erodes public trust in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda,” she added.