Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis urged MACC to speak up over the latest scandal plaguing Sabah, adding that the matter has tarnished the state government’s image.
“Have you investigated the latest allegation published by Malaysiakini?
“Why hasn’t the MACC said anything about this yet? What are you waiting for?” she asked in a statement.
On July 24, MalaysiaNow published an audio clip tied to the allegation that a coal mining exploration licence in Sabah was approved for a company linked to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak.
According to the report, the recording was purportedly from a meeting in May 2024 involving state government-owned firm Sabah Mineral Management (SMM)’s board, which is chaired by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
The clip has been uploaded to YouTube and TikTok.
MalaysiaNow claimed the recording proved Hajiji had voiced support for the company, Bumi Suria Sdn Bhd, linked to Farhash, but there was purportedly some reservation expressed by state secretary Safar Untong.
“But the area is too big, Datuk Seri, 70,000ha,” a voice is heard saying, which MalaysiaNow attributed to Safar.
However, another voice, which the report claimed was Hajiji’s, responded: “Yes, we will get to that later. The important thing is that we approve its application.”
No licence given
On July 21, when the allegations first surfaced, SMM denied that any company linked to Farhash was granted a prospecting licence in the state.
SMM CEO Natasha Sim said that based on records, no companies owned or linked to Farhash had been awarded such a licence.
Farhash also issued a denial, as well as a cease and desist letter against MalaysiaNow over its article, which contained the allegation.
On July 25, SMM said it granted conditional permission to Bumi Suria to apply for a prospecting licence, but it was later cancelled after the company failed to submit the required documents.
It said that on March 24, after Bumi Suria failed to file the required documents, SMM issued an official letter of cancellation, which it accused MalaysiaNow of malicious omission.
SMM said it would also initiate legal action against the portal.
‘Upsetting and embarrassing’
Upset, Isnaraissah said she was taken by surprise over the latest allegations, as Sabahans are still trying to wrap their heads around a previous allegation made by a whistleblower, which implicated several Sabah assemblypersons.
“Whether or not the allegations are true, it is truly embarrassing…as if our state is home to the corrupt.
“And if the allegations are proven to be true, it means the entire state administration is rotten,” said the former deputy minister.
The Warisan leader also questioned the identity of an “influential individual” from the peninsula, who appeared to slip from the authorities’ radar.
“Who is this person? Why is he getting so much preferential treatment?
“First, the person said he was not involved, but when the audio clip and other documents surfaced, the person disengaged from the media,” Isnaraissah said.
She then urged the authorities to remain impartial and investigate the allegations immediately.
“From every corner, Sabah seems to be used by certain quarters to enrich themselves.
“So, what does an ordinary Sabahan get in return?” Isnaraissah asked. - Mkini
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