KOTA KINABALU: A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblyman has called for a focus on constituency issues instead of alleged bribery scandals involving mining licences and GRS leaders.
Kunak assemblyman Datuk Norazlinah Arif emphasised the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and urged state assembly members to concentrate on matters within their constituencies.
She highlighted the progress made by the GRS-Pakatan Harapan Plus government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who has led with calmness and confidence despite political pressures.
Referring to the alleged scandal, the former Parti Warisan Wanita chief noted that various parties were attempting to undermine the stability of the GRS-led government.
"We are aware accusations of corruption are often the fodder for politicians, almost every individual in politics is inevitably smeared with such allegations," Norazlinah said while debating the State Budget 2025 on Tuesday (Nov 19).
"We must face these challenges with integrity and resilience.
"At the same time, I remind everyone that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, therefore, let the relevant agencies investigate and make their decisions.
"Do not be so quick to comment as if forgetting that your own boss also has court cases, do not pretend to forget that your boss has also worn the orange suit," she added, addressing Opposition lawmakers.
Norazlinah stressed the primary duty of elected representatives is to voice their constituents' concerns during sittings.
She noted that the public is observing whether their representatives prioritise their struggles and problems.
"How about we put the interests of the people as our priority rather than simply pretending to be experts - be it economists, legal experts, or experts on MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963).
"Immature politics and division will only delay our efforts to develop this state. Enough with the 'biting', and then claiming we want to be like Sarawak," she urged.
The previous day, Warisan lawmakers had addressed the alleged bribery scandal.
Sarifuddin Hata (Warisan-Merotai) called on the Sabah government to provide transparency and clarity about the claims, urging Hajiji to disclose the companies involved in state mining and the approval of licences.
Datuk Darell Leiking (Warisan-Moyog) expressed concern over the alleged mismanagement of the state's minerals and hydrocarbons.
The Warisan deputy president questioned why the public remains uninformed about the companies managing Sabah's resources.
He praised ex-Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) CEO Jontih Enggihon for exposing potential mismanagement of Sabah minerals and encouraged others to reveal possible state wrongdoings.
On Monday (Nov 18), the SMM announced it had filed reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police following findings of misconduct involving Jontih.
The findings resulted from a comprehensive internal investigation uncovering significant breaches of fiduciary duties, alleged fraudulent activities, misrepresentation to the Board of Directors, and other misconducts.
