A Sabah Umno leader has called for the MACC to immediately release the results of its investigation into state Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan’s alleged involvement in the mineral licence scandal.
Sabah Umno strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman also told the MACC to quickly complete its investigation and submit the investigation paper to the Attorney-General’s Chambers so that Kitingan (above) can be prosecuted in court.
“All Sabahans are awaiting the results of the investigation from MACC regarding the case.
“An efficient and independent investigation by MACC against the deputy chief minister, who is classified as a ‘VVIP’, will restore the public’s trust and confidence in MACC,” he said in a statement today.
On Sept 24, businessperson-turned-whistleblower Albert Tei released a video of his alleged conversation with Kitingan, whom he claimed took RM1.78 million from him, calling it the largest sum the businessperson had paid to any politician linked to the scandal.
The video clip was from a purported meeting at a Kuala Lumpur seafood restaurant on Oct 13, 2024, over the cancellation of mining exploration licences. In it, Tei detailed alleged payments to Kitingan.
The next day, Kitingan, who is the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president, spent more than five hours giving his statement at the MACC office in Kota Kinabalu.
‘Serve people or protect the powerful?’
Warisan assemblyperson Justin Wong told the MACC not to turn a blind eye to Kitingan’s case due to the latter’s prominent position.
“If an ordinary citizen is investigated and prosecuted for far less, why should a deputy chief minister be shielded?
“Quick to act against ordinary rakyat, but (what about) when it’s a VVIP with political value? Are you serving the people, or protecting the powerful?” said the Sri Tanjong representative in a statement today.
Pointing to the video of Kitingan that Malaysiakini published, Wong asked what clearer proof is needed to take action against state leaders embroiled in the corruption scandal.
“The private secretary of our deputy chief minister acknowledged the cash payments made to Kitingan,” he added.
Wong was referring to the latest video Tei released yesterday, which involved Kitingan’s aide Rizal Johari.
Tei claimed the recording showed that mining licences were cancelled as part of a “power struggle” between Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairperson Hajiji Noor, Kitingan, as well as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Maximus Ongkili.
Rizal rejected the allegations of corruption and described the video as part of a campaign to ruin the image of state leaders.
He claimed the release was timed to sway voters and benefit certain political figures, further suggesting Tei was not acting alone but was “under order or protection from powerful individuals”.
The Sabah state election is due to be held this year. - Mkini
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