KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin is unfazed by calls for him to resign as Sabah Umno chief following the Court of Appeal ordered him to enter his defence on corruption charges.
Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, said he was not compelled to respond to comments from non-governmental organisations (NGO) or parties that were neither authoritative nor impartial.
“Let Umno matters be decided by Umno itself,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 19).
“This is not a new case as it has been going on for years.
“And this court case will not distract me from carrying out my duties as the state Umno chief,” added the Kinabatangan MP.
ALSO READ: It's back to court for Bung and wife
Bung Moktar called on Barisan and Umno supporters to remain calm and not be disturbed by present developments but focus on strengthening the party instead.
“The truth will prevail,” he added.
NGO Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar and state rights activist and former assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang had called for him to step down.
Zulkarnain said Bung Moktar should concentrate on his court case while Ligunjang said political leaders facing criminal charges should take a leave of absence while they focus on clearing their name.
The Court of Appeal on Monday (Nov 18) ordered Bung Moktar and his wife Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad to enter their defence on three corruption charges involving RM2.8mil related to a Felcra Bhd investment.
ALSO READ: Sabah Umno continues support for Bung Moktar in light of corruption trial
A three-judge panel led by Justice Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim found that the High Court's decision to discharge and acquit Bung Moktar and Zizie Izette was "premature" and disrupted the trial.
On Sept 7 last year, Bung Moktar and his wife were acquitted and discharged after the High Court overturned a Sessions Court ruling from Sept 2, 2022 ordering them to enter their defence on the corruption charges.
The prosecution appealed the acquittal on Sept 18 last year.
Following Monday's decision, Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the party respected the judicial process and also voiced support for Bung Moktar, stressing the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
