I didn’t write letter promising a new Project IC, says former Sabah Umno chief

Former Sabah Umno chief Hajiji Noor says the accusations are defamatory and meant to smear his good name and reputation as Sulaman assemblyman. (File pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Umno chief Hajiji Noor today denied he had authored a purportedly secret letter urging Sabah Umno members to unite under PPBM.

The letter, which has gone viral on social media and was reported by at least two blogs, urged its readers to seek out all those who have obtained citizenship through Project IC 1.0 until 4.0 to be made members of PPBM.

It also implicated Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Project IC, stating it succeeded in drastically increasing the Sabah population.

Project IC is a reference to his alleged role in granting citizenship to illegal immigrants in the 1980s and 1990s, effectively changing the state’s demographics. A Royal Commission of Inquiry on Illegal Immigrants was also held to delve into this.

The letter that has gone viral also promised that another Project IC, called Project IC 5.0, will be carried out in 2020 to prepare PPBM for the next election.

“My friends and I, who were formerly leaders of Sabah Umno, have nothing to do with this letter and have no direct connection whatsoever with what has been accused and made viral on social media.

“I strongly deny the accusations and they are defamatory, meant to damage and smear my good name and reputation as Sulaman assemblyman,” Hajiji told the media today.

He believed the letter was penned by certain parties with the deliberate intention of associating his name and Mahathir’s name, as well as PPBM, to the alleged Project IC 5.0.

Hajiji, who was Sabah’s former housing and local government minister, said he and the other former Sabah Umno leaders will continue to fight to ensure the rights and interests of Sabahans.

“I am now investigating this matter and have directed my lawyer to take legal action, including suing the irresponsible parties, for spreading the defamatory article, particularly the two blogs.

“I hope social media practitioners will be more careful, ethical and responsible. They should avoid spreading such baseless and defamatory articles because it is harmful to the people and community.”

Hajiji and several other Sabah Umno leaders left the party on Dec 12. Though they did not say where they are heading, they are expected to join PPBM.

For now, they are independents who are supportive of the ruling government.

Warisan leaders have been adamant about not allowing Mahathir-led PPBM spread its wings to Sabah.

Even though PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin has not ruled out the possibility of the party entering Sabah, he said they will discuss the matter with Warisan before doing so. - FMT