After the latest release of a video implicating Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan in a mining scandal, two Warisan leaders asked how Gabungan Rakyat Sabah can claim the state’s rights from Putrajaya with compromised leaders.
“This is no longer just about politics but about trust, dignity, and the future of Sabah. The scandal exposes what Warisan has long warned - that all is not well within GRS,” said Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun.
“For five years, GRS has promised to defend Sabah’s rights, but while Sabahans are kept waiting, the scandals continue to mount.
“How can Sabah claim its rights under MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) when its leaders are compromised?
“The 40 percent revenue share remains stuck and the continental shelf rights remain unresolved,” Terrence (above) added in a statement today.
Earlier today, businessperson and whistleblower Albert Tei dropped another bombshell by releasing a video recording of his conversation with Jeffrey, whom he alleged received the largest payout of all.
Tei told Malaysiakini that the sum purportedly given to the veteran politician, who is also the Keningau MP, was RM1.78 million - higher than the RM1.6 million figure mentioned in the clip.
The clip, captured during a meeting at a Kuala Lumpur seafood restaurant on Oct 13, 2024, revolved around the cancellation of mining exploration licences. In it, Tei details alleged payments made to the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president.
In the recording, he also claimed to have paid over RM500,000 to Kitingan’s deputy and Sook assemblyperson Ellron Angin, and another RM300,000 to Bingkor assemblyperson Robert Tawik, who is also a Star deputy president.
During the recorded conversation, Kitingan did not confirm or deny the transactions mentioned.
Malaysiakini has contacted Kitingan, his aide, Ellron, and Tawik for comment. The three Star leaders have previously denied any involvement in the scandal.
Sabahans deserve better
Meanwhile, Warisan supreme council member Mudi Dubing said the latest exposé is a reminder of how fragile coalitions will eventually crack, with the people left to carry the burden.
He also lamented that while Sabahans are still struggling over the rising cost of living, poor infrastructure, and water shortages, political leaders are getting implicated in scandals.
“Sabahans deserve leaders who place integrity above self-interest, and a government that always puts the people first,” Mudi added.
In June, Tei released nine recordings, implicating assemblypersons and the state legislative assembly speaker, Kadzim Yahya, alleging bribes in exchange for mineral exploration licences.
He claimed the licences were granted as rewards for backing Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor during the political crisis known as the Kinabalu Move.
Tei himself, along with two assemblypersons, has been charged in the case. But the fate of the others remains unclear, with critics accusing the authorities of a cover-up.
All implicated assemblypersons are part of the ruling GRS coalition - an ally of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan. - Mkini
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