A group of Warisan assemblypersons have submitted a memorandum to the MACC, demanding a full explanation regarding perceived delays in investigating high-profile figures implicated in the Sabah mining scandal.
According to a copy of the memorandum submitted to MACC’s branches in Sabah today, the eight state representatives expressed “great concern” over what they described as the “deafening silence” from the graft busters.
They highlighted that to date, only two former assemblypersons and whistleblower Albert Tei have been prosecuted, despite how 15 individuals - including the speaker of the Sabah state legislative assembly and several other senior politicians - were alleged to be involved in the scandal.
“The silence and inaction of the MACC in recent months has drawn public criticism and sparked speculation that there may be political influence not to pursue the remaining alleged political figures.
“The MACC must come clean and disclose fully the outcome of the investigation into the mining scandal to negate public perceptions that the enforcement agency favours selective prosecution,” the memorandum stated.
The group argued that the supposed delay in ensuring justice has resulted in an “utterly unacceptable and grossly unjust” situation as those implicated in the scandal have since been appointed to public office.
Tanjung Aru assemblyperson Junz Wong Hong Jun, Azhar Matussin (Darau), Jamil Hamzah (Bugaya), Tham Yun Fook (Likas), Edna Majimbun (Inanam), Loi Kok Liang (Api-Api), Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen (Luyang), and Chin Tek Ming (Kapayan) backed the memorandum.
What about other reps?
The Warisan assemblypersons also questioned why the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has not acted against other individuals named in a dossier exceeding 300 pages, which Tei had previously handed to the MACC.
The memorandum noted that the evidence provided in that dossier, which includes videos, money trails, bank records, documents, written correspondences, and specific locations, is "identical in format" to the evidence that led to the charges that have been filed thus far.
Additionally, another six Warisan assemblypersons also submitted the memorandum to the MACC’s office in Sandakan, with the state representatives warning that the people of Sabah are increasingly losing confidence in the ability of enforcement institutions to handle the scandal.
“The people of Sabah are entitled to a government that is clean, transparent, and free from corruption.
“The failure to act against those involved will only continue to affect the state's reputation and hinder development potential that has long been impacted by the abuse of power,” the group said in a statement.
Similarly calling on the MACC to provide a current report on the overall status of its investigation, the group urged for an assurance that probes are conducted independently, professionally, and without any political interference.
Those involved in the submission at Sandakan are Elopura assemblyperson Calvin Chong, Lisa Alban (Sungai Sibuga), Alias Sani (Sekong), representative of Arunanarsin Taib (Gum-Gum), Alex Wong (Karamunting), and Alex Thien (Tanjong Papat).
Since November 2024, Tei has implicated more than a dozen Sabah politicians, along with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide Shamsul Iskandar Akin, in the mining scandal.
Last November, Anwar said investigations were ongoing, though no updates have emerged since.
The prime minister also denied allegations that his administration is shielding the politicians, who are allies of his Pakatan Harapan coalition. - Mkini
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