Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has reiterated that the videos of the alleged corruption scandal involving assemblypersons were aimed at tarnishing his and the state government’s image.
The Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leader said the state government would allow the authorities to investigate and take appropriate action if there are elements of wrongdoing or abuse of power.
“I am aware of reports published by certain portals, such as Malaysiakini, which seem aimed at tarnishing the government’s image and myself as its leader,” he told the state legislative assembly.
“As for the details, I’m unable to elaborate further as the matter is under investigation, and any statement could jeopardise the process.
“However, I assure this assembly that the current management of Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) operates with good governance,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Express.
Pointing out that all considerations and approvals were made through its board meetings, Hajiji said SMM had submitted a report concerning the scandal to the relevant authorities, including MACC.
“The state government has entrusted the relevant authorities to conduct investigations and take appropriate action if any misconduct or abuse of power is found. I cannot provide detailed comments as the case is under investigation and any statements may jeopardise the process,” he added.
25 PLs issued in past two years
Hajiji also revealed that the state government issued 26 Prospecting Licences (PL) under Section 6 of the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960 in the past two years.
Of these, he said two were voluntarily surrendered, one was cancelled and four had expired.
According to him, this happened due to several reasons, including lack of significant exploration progress within the period, failure to obtain consent from Sustainable Forest Management Licence Agreement (SFMLA) holders and the Forestry Department for access to the areas, or because the areas were within Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) or sensitive water catchment zones.
“Nineteen PLs remain active. These PLs are solely for prospecting purposes to determine if there are economically viable mineral deposits for mining. Applications for a mining lease for operational mining will only be considered after confirming valuable minerals for development through the findings,” he added.
“The interests of the state government will be discussed in the cabinet meeting before any mining lease is issued,” he said.
Last week, Malaysiakini published several videos from a whistleblower, who claimed that he had bribed assemblypersons in Sabah to support his application for a mineral exploration licence.
There was also a video of former SMM chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon, who accused the chief minister of abusing his powers.
Hajiji is the chairperson of SMM. - Mkini
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