No mining leases issued by Sabah govt, says Hajiji

 

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said the group behind the videos had applied for leases in nearly one million acres. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor says his government has never issued mining leases despite videos implicating assemblymen from the state allegedly discussing bribes for project licences.

Hajiji said the “edited and maliciously distributed” videos are a desperate measure aimed at tarnishing the government’s reputation.

He said the matter had been used by certain parties to create confusion.

“Accusations that assemblymen sought bribes or engaged in misconduct in this matter are baseless,” Hajiji said in a statement.

“To date, the state government has only issued prospecting licences for exploration and the collection of geomineral data, which is a preliminary step necessary before any application for a mining lease from eligible companies can be considered.

“The Sabah government will not bow to attempts aimed at destabilising the state’s politics,” added the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is currently probing an alleged corruption case involving mineral project licences in Sabah linked to a businessman said to have had dealings with Sabah assemblymen.

The allegations centre around the Sabah government’s alleged approval of prospecting and mining licences to a company linked to the businessman.

In the videos published on Malaysiakini, the purported businessman is heard talking about funds given to Sabah officials for mining or prospecting licences.

The businessman is believed to have recorded secret videos demanding his money back from certain assemblymen after the state government allegedly withdrew the licences.

Last night, Sabah finance minister Masidi Manjun gave a statement to MACC after a video implicating him was published, while Kuamut assemblyman Masiung Banah provided a similar statement to the anti-graft agency this morning.

Hajiji today said the group behind the videos had applied for leases in nearly one million acres, with a significant portion of this area consisting of totally protected zones, water catchment areas, and conservation areas.

“When their application was unsuccessful, several video clips were circulated as an attempt to threaten the state government,” he said.

“I want to assure the people of Sabah that the state’s mineral resources remain safeguarded and are being managed responsibly for the future of its citizens.

“… my administration remains committed to principles of justice, transparency, and integrity.” - FMT