Kota Kinabalu: The Gagasan Rakyat and Parti Bersatu Sabah Youth wings slammed Sabah Umno Youth’s call for Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to step down as Chief Minister over a purported mining scandal involving a few Gabungan Rakyat Sabah assemblymen.
Sabah Umno Youth Chief Sufian Abd Karim said that Hajiji, as Chief Minister and the person in charge of state affairs, must take full responsibility for the matter.
“Hajiji should step down as Chief Minister of Sabah to allow an independent and transparent investigation to proceed without interference from the administration,” he had said in a statement.
He also called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM), and for the findings of the probe to be disclosed to the public to restore confidence in the state administration.
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Besides, GRS Youth Chief Datuk Fairuz Renddan said the Chief Minister can only be legally removed through a vote of no-confidence in the State Legislative Assembly or through voluntary resignation.
“There are no legal provisions that mandate the Chief Minister’s resignation to facilitate investigations,” he said in a statement.
“Based on the circulated videos, there is no mention of the Chief Minister receiving money or being involved in the case. In fact, the video clearly proves that the Chief Minister decided to cancel the Prospecting Licence due to the existence of a cartel’s influence,” said Fairuz.
He drew attention to a Nov. 17 Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) statement indicating that investigations are underway.
“Until today, the Chief Minister’s name has not been called to provide any testimony, which proves he is not involved in the case,” he said.
He also said MACC Chief Commissioner had said that so far no reports had been lodged regarding the matter by the alleged bribe-giver.
“We wish to remind that an assemblyman who previously held the position of Deputy Chief Minister is still in office while undergoing trial for a corruption case involving millions of ringgit.
“Ironically, he never resigned, and recently, the Court of Appeal ordered him to defend himself. He said Gagasan Rakyat Youth respect the legal process and would not engage in discussions or provocations on social media.
PBS Youth Chief Christoper Mandut said Sabah Umno should reflect on its own position before calling for Hajiji to step down, referring to Bung’s RM2.8 million corruption charges related to a Felcra Bhd investment.
The Court of Appeal had on Nov. 18 ordered Bung Moktar and wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izzette Abdul Samad, to enter their defence on the charges.
“Their own chairman should step down to enable a transparent and independent investigation into the alleged corruption,” said Mandut.
While acknowledging Sufian’s concerns, Mandut urged Sabah Umno to “look in the mirror” before making such demands.
He noted that the Chief Minister had repeatedly assured the public that the corruption allegations against certain assemblymen had been referred to the MACC.
“The MACC is an independent body responsible for tackling 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 already committed to transparency?” he said.
Mandut added that Hajiji’s declaration of having “nothing to hide” reflects his sincerity and commitment to the truth.
Meanwhile, Malaysian People’s Power Movement (G57) said Bung should focus on the corruption trial he is facing and hand over duties of running Sabah Umno to his deputy.
G57 Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said:
“It is common knowledge that the Sabah election will be held next year. Therefore Sabah Umno members at the grassroots level really need leadership that has more time with them which requires commitment.
“Speaking from a moral and integrity perspective, the Sabah Umno Youth and Womens wings should urge Bung to resign because the corruption issues he is facing no longer qualify him to lead.
“As a former leader of Umno’s frontline activists for a long time, this advice is for the good of Umno in Sabah,” he said in a statement.
The Kuala Lumpur Section Court’s decision on Thursday had set January 21 for case management and April 9-11, 2025, April 14-15, and May 5 and 6, 2025 to resume the trial involving Kinabatangan MP, Bung and his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, on three corruption charges totaling RM2.8 million.