A businessperson implicated in “controversy” related to a land deal in Kudat, Sabah has pulled out his company’s proposed investment into the state.
Thomas Hah Tiing Siu did not specify what the investment was, but it is believed that it was over goats and silica sand at Pulau Balambangan.
“After taking into account the issues and polemics raised by certain parties, it is with regret that the company has made due consideration and decided to withdraw the proposed investment in development for the agricultural sector of the areas involved.
“The controversy that has been triggered by these irresponsible parties has affected the confidence of our fellow investors,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He stressed, however, that all applications made were in line with the Sabah government’s agricultural agenda to enhance food security.
An official letter to the state government stating this decision will be submitted later, he said.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor was recently accused of abuse of power in the approval of six land applications involving 968.4 ha.
He denied the allegations, which surfaced on Facebook, and claimed it was done to tarnish his reputation.
The social media post also insinuated that Hajiji was linked to Hah, as the latter was seen in meetings with Hajiji’s predecessor and Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Hajiji said all applications underwent the necessary procedures through a Land Utilisation Committee (LUC) meeting.
The chief minister also ordered an investigation into the leak of confidential documents, which were circulated.
‘For food security’
Hah in his statement also stressed that the applications made met all provisions and regulations set by the relevant authorities.
“The applications made were in line with the state government’s agenda to advance the agricultural sector for the sake of food security through proposed animal husbandry and agriculture projects and were referred to the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry.
“This purpose is clearly stated in every application. The approval given by the state government contains various conditions and among them, if the company does not develop the land as intended, the approval can be revoked,” he said.
Since the allegations were made, Sekong assemblyperson Alias Sani and Elopura assemblyperson Calvin Chong lodged a police report against Hajiji, who is the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) president.
Warisan Youth also filed a report with MACC over the matter.
PGRS information chief Nizam Abu Bakar, on the other hand, lodged a police report to counter the allegations. - Mkini
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