KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, along with two other assemblymen, have provided statements to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigators regarding graft claims linked to the issuance of state mining licences.
The trio were questioned following the release of videos by a news portal, in which they were seen in conversation with a whistleblower discussing the matter.
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According to sources, the MACC recorded their statements here after the videos were uploaded online.
It is understood that Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari and Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang have provided their statements in the last 48 hours.
The investigation follows a report lodged by the Sabah government on Tuesday (Nov 12) against former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon.
Jontih claimed that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had abused his powers in the issuance of prospecting and mining licences.
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Jontih’s allegations were backed by a pre-recorded video interview, which was uploaded online, in a follow-up to a businessman's claim that he possesses eight secret video recordings of bribery involving senior Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government leaders.
Rubin confirmed on Saturday (Nov 16) that he had given his statement to MACC but declined to provide further details. Shahelmey and Mohd Arsad did not respond to requests for comment.
It is understood that MACC has not yet called in Jontih as part of their investigation.
The report filed by the state government primarily seeks to probe Jontih’s links to a businessman involved in the issuance of mining licences, which were later withdrawn by the state.
The businessman has yet to formally file a report with the MACC, although he has sought whistleblower protection from the commission.
In response to the allegations, Hajiji said that the accusations appeared to be politically motivated, aimed at weakening the government.
Despite the controversy, Hajiji insisted that the GRS-Pakatan Harapan state government remains intact and continues its work as usual.
