Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on those facing allegations in the ongoing Sabah mining licence scandal to step forward and defend themselves through legal channels. Speaking at a press conference after officiating a women’s empowerment programme in Kota Kinabalu on June 24, DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi encouraged the accused to provide evidence and present witnesses to counter the prosecution's claims—should they have the means to do so.
Drawing from his own legal experience, Zahid highlighted how he had previously defended himself in court, resulting in the clearing of his name. He noted that the legal system offers a platform for those accused to prove their innocence, suggesting that similar steps should be taken by others facing charges.
His remarks come amid ongoing investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into alleged bribery involving elected representatives. The case centres around the issuance of mineral prospecting licences in Sabah, a scandal that gained public attention following the circulation of whistleblower videos last year. These videos, released by a local businessman, prompted deeper scrutiny into the involvement of political figures in mining-related corruption.
MACC has since announced that it anticipates charging two state assemblymen and one other individual in connection with the case in the near future. Zahid stressed that the anti-graft agency should be allowed to carry out its investigations independently and with full public trust.
Authorities have not disclosed the full list of individuals under investigation, but recent reports confirm that multiple arrests have been made, including sitting assemblymen. The scandal has raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability in the allocation of mining rights in Sabah.
Zahid’s comments serve as both a reminder and a challenge to the accused—emphasizing that accountability should be demonstrated through legal due process, just as he once did when under scrutiny.
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