KOTA KINABALU: The corruption allegations involving Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders is not being orchestrated by the opposition, says Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Bung Moktar points to the coalition’s internal issues, corruption, and governance failures as the real causes, while defending the opposition’s integrity.
He was responding to recent remarks by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah vice president Datuk Masiung Banah, who accused the opposition of masterminding the circulation of the 'Corrupt Assemblyman' scandal videos.
“I find this accusation puzzling as we have denied any involvement in the production or distribution of the said video.
"However, Datuk Masiung appears to continue diverting public attention by pointing fingers at the opposition," Bung Moktar said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 12).
He stressed that the viral videos clearly depicted internal negotiations and misconduct involving GRS representatives, without any interference from the opposition.
"There is no indication of any opposition members being present or involved. The negotiations and discussions were purely internal matters that ultimately ended in failure," he said.
Bung Moktar noted that the recordings provided evidence of GRS representatives being directly involved in receiving money, as seen and heard in the videos, calling it clear proof of misconduct and legal violations.
He questioned why no legal action had been taken against the media or those who circulated the videos if the accusations were false.
"Instead, they have chosen to make statements such as ‘I have moved on and continued my work’ or ‘our videos were edited,’ which only raises more questions," he said.
He added that the eight GRS leaders involved in the corruption scandal should take full responsibility for their actions, and not act boldly while fearing the consequences.
"Therefore, I would like to advise the GRS government to stop making baseless accusations against the opposition.
"For your information, Umno and Barisan Nasional do not need to engage in dirty politics, as I believe the people of Sabah are well aware of what is happening," he said.
Bung Moktar also criticised GRS for failing to effectively manage the state, citing the persistent issue of clean water supply in Sabah.
"The people of Sabah have grown wiser and more discerning, and such actions will only open their eyes to who is truly responsible for this issue," he added.
