Kota Kinabalu: Star President and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, has strongly denied allegations published by Malaysiakini accusing him of receiving RM1.78 million linked to a mining scandal.
“These allegations are completely baseless. They are politically motivated attacks meant to destabilise, discredit, and ultimately destroy the existing Sabah government,” he said, adding that he is talking to his lawyers.
He stressed that he never had anything to do with any such scandal.
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');});“I have never, at any time, received any funds related to mining applications or any so-called mining scandal.
“This is a deliberate fabrication, orchestrated by desperate politicians trying to exert undue influence over Sabah’s political scene. This is a tactic that has been used since the 1960s,” he said.
Sabah Tanah Air Ku, he said, has no involvement in any mining activity nor has the party applied for any mining licence.
“As a supporter of the Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA), mining is fundamentally incompatible with our conservation principles,” he stressed.
Dr Jeffrey also said he and his party colleagues have fully cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“We have given full cooperation to the MACC and provided detailed statements,” he said.
He condemned the attempt by certain media to try the case in the court of public opinion.
“This is the price we pay for fighting for Sabah’s rights. Earlier statements from the whistle blower cleared Star and PBS of any wrongdoing or receipt of corrupt funds,” he said.
“Because of the seriousness of the false and malicious accusations I am exploring legal options.
“I reserve the right to pursue all legal avenues, including legal action against Malaysiakini for its irresponsible and damaging report,” he said.
He warned of more false allegations as elections near.
“We can expect more lies and slander from Malaysiakini and other political manipulators as the election approaches.
“It’s no surprise that certain groups and parties are celebrating, hoping that fake news will reshape Sabah’s political landscape,” he added.