After PM's 'save nation' speech, Albert demands answer on 'mining 13'

 

Albert Tei has questioned the status of the remaining 13 politicians he implicated in the Sabah mining scandal in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent statement that his government remains firm in saving the nation from corruption and abuse of power.

The businessperson claimed that the prime minister’s statement reeked of double standards, suggesting that political allies are spared from the dragnet.

“Since my disclosure in November 2024, 15 months have passed, but the MACC has only charged two out of the 15 VVIPs implicated.

“The remaining 13 VVIPs not only escaped legal action, but have even been appointed to top positions,” he added in a statement.

Tei recalled that he furnished MACC with hundreds of pages of alleged evidence apart from video recordings, including “various documents such as money trails, correspondence, WhatsApp records supporting the transactions, as well as mobile phones”.

“Yet, what has happened to this day, after 15 months have passed?” he asked.

‘Political weapon’ against GRS?

Tei also reiterated his allegation that Anwar was protecting these politicians and using his evidence as a “political weapon” to keep the GRS leaders in check.

“Therefore, my accusation is indeed true that Anwar practices double standards in his much-proclaimed fight against corruption and abuse of power,” he added.

Last November, Anwar dismissed allegations that he was shielding the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) politicians - allies of Pakatan Harapan - saying the case remains open and that the investigation papers are with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

However, there has been no update since.

Tei, who claimed to have bribed the politicians in exchange for mineral exploration licences, has been charged twice in relation to the scandal.

Previously, he also alleged that a high-ranking MACC officer had threatened him not to lodge a report over the scandal. - Mkini