KOTA KINABALU: Dr. Ritchie Jay Cheng of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah has dismissed recent graft allegations against state leaders as baseless and politically motivated ahead of the 17th Sabah state election.
The Tanjung Aru division committee member said claims that ministers took bribes for mining exploration licenses made no sense, stressing that such approvals are handled by technical agencies and not ministers.
“These accusations are like bribing a dentist to get a permit to sell eggs,” he said.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Dr. Ritchie warned of possible entrapment efforts and noting that without intent to influence decisions, such cases are weak.
He urged voters to stay rational and support GRS for continued development.
He was speaking during the distribution of life jackets and safety lights to 50 fishermen in Tanjung Aru, a first-time initiative in the area.