KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan's aide Rizal Johari (pic), in a statement on Wednesday, has denied allegations linking him and other Sabah leaders to what he described as a politically motivated smear campaign.
He said the latest video released online, which allegedly shows him in discussions tied to the Sabah mining scandal, was staged to create a false impression of corruption.
Rizal also expressed concern over businessman Albert Tei’s decision to circulate the footage, saying it suggested the involvement of more powerful figures behind the scenes.
He stressed that Sabahans would not be swayed by “dirty tricks” aimed at influencing the state election, which he described as a crucial moment for the people to decide their future.
He added that he would pursue legal action to clear his name and reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people with integrity despite ongoing attempts to discredit him.