Kota Kinabalu: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan State Government never issued Mining Leases to any party, contrary to what selectively edited video clips making the rounds lately aimed to portray.
“The State’s mineral resources remain safeguarded and are being carefully managed for the benefit of the rakyat. Any claims that Mining Leases have been granted are completely untrue,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor assured.
“To date, the Government only issued Prospecting Licenses, which are intended solely for exploration and geomineral data collection purposes.
“This process is a necessary preliminary step before any applications for Mining Leases from qualified companies can be considered.
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“The Sabah Government will not bow to any attempts aimed at undermining the State’s political stability,” he said, Wednesday, following circulation of the video clips.
Hajiji explained that a certain group’s application involved a very large area, spanning nearly one million acres, the majority of which comprises Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), water catchment areas and conservation zones.
“When their application was unsuccessful, several video clips were circulated in an attempt to intimidate the State Government.
“Allegations that elected representatives have demanded bribes or committed misconduct related to this issue are baseless.
“The act of linking edited and maliciously distributed video recordings with criminal extortion threats is a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Government and disrupt Sabah’s political stability,” he said.
Hajiji said the GRS-PH administration remains committed to the principles of justice, transparency and integrity and advised the people to work together to ensure this Government remains responsible, responsive and focused on the needs of the people for a more progressive and prosperous Sabah.