KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno should reassess its position before calling for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s resignation over the ongoing mineral project scandal, says Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Christopher Mandut.
Mandut highlighted the contradiction in Sabah Umno's stance, pointing out that their liaison chief and former deputy chief minister, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, is facing corruption charges involving RM2.8mil linked to a Felcra Bhd investment.
The Court of Appeal, on Nov 18, had ordered Bung Moktar and his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izzette Abdul Samad, to enter their defence against the charges.
“If Sabah Umno is demanding the resignation of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, their own chairman should follow suit to ensure a transparent and independent investigation into his alleged corruption,” Mandut said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 4).
Mandut was responding to comments from Sabah Umno Youth chief Sufian Abd Karim, who raised concerns over allegations of mismanagement, abuse of power, and corruption involving several Sabah assemblymen.
While acknowledging these concerns, Mandut advised Sabah Umno to "look in the mirror" before making such demands.
He reminded them that Chief Minister Hajiji had already referred the corruption allegations against assemblymen to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and pledged full cooperation with its investigations.
“The MACC is an independent body responsible for addressing corruption, abuse of power, and malpractice in the country.
"The Chief Minister has pledged full cooperation with MACC investigations. Does Sufian doubt MACC’s credibility?
"Why demand the Chief Minister’s resignation when he has committed to transparency?” Mandut asked.
He stressed that Hajiji’s declaration of having “nothing to hide” demonstrates his commitment to transparency and the truth.
“If Sabah Umno’s chief truly has nothing to hide, he should consider stepping down to allow the MACC to investigate his corruption case impartially.
"As an MP, he has a duty to uphold the government’s integrity and restore public trust,” Mandut said.
Meanwhile, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Youth chief Datuk Fairuz Renddan argued that Hajiji should not be pressured to resign as there is no legal basis for such a demand.
The position can only be relinquished through a vote of no confidence or voluntary resignation, he said.
"There is no evidence or allegations suggesting that the Chief Minister is involved in any form of corruption or wrongdoing in relation to the project," he said in a statement.
He clarified that the decision to cancel the Prospecting Licence (PL) for the mineral project was made solely due to the influence of a cartel, not for any personal gain or to further the interests of the Chief Minister.
This, he argued, is a critical distinction that undermines the accusations levelled against Hajiji.
Fairuz also defended the role of MACC, affirming that the ongoing investigation is being carried out with full transparency.
He stressed that there is no need for the Chief Minister to step down to ensure a fair investigation, adding that this process is already being handled independently, and any attempts to politicise the investigation are unnecessary.
Fairuz further referenced a previous case involving former Bung Moktar, stating, “Despite facing serious corruption charges, he continued to hold his position, highlighting the inconsistency in demands for Hajiji's resignation while ignoring such precedents.”
This, he believes, highlights the political motives behind the calls for the Chief Minister's resignation, rather than a genuine concern for justice.
Fairuz reiterated that Gagasan Rakyat Youth places full trust in the authorities, particularly the MACC, to carry out a fair and independent investigation into the matter, stressing the importance of respecting the legal process and cautioning against engaging in unnecessary social media provocations that could hinder the course of justice.
“I call for a transparent investigation free from political interference, and I express confidence that the truth will emerge through the proper channels, without undue pressure,” he said.
