Kota Kinabalu: A statement by Kepayan Assemblyman Chin Tek Ming questioning the State Cabinet’s Corruption-Free Pledge (IBR) has been described as an attempt to politicise integrity issues, said former Sabah Rela Honorary Members Association president Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said (pic).
Jerry said the State Cabinet led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor taking and signing the IBR reflected a bold and transparent step in demonstrating the administration’s commitment to integrity, transparency and good governance.
He said the IBR was not merely symbolic but a declaration of moral and administrative commitment, adding that turning the pledge ceremony into a political polemic could confuse the public and undermine efforts to strengthen integrity in governance.
Commenting on concerns raised by the opposition over investigations into a mining case, he said the matter falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which conducts its investigations based on its own procedures and professional standards.
Jerry also dismissed claims that the presence of the Sabah MACC director at the event raised questions over the commission’s independence, stressing that participation in integrity-related programmes is common and should not be interpreted negatively.