Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR Leadership Council Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said there is an urgent need for reform to fight against corruption.
“Corruption scandals have been used as political tools to undermine the State Government, but the real issue is the deeply rooted corruption that has plagued our system for decades,” Mustapha said in a Facebook post.
AdvertisementHe attributed these scandals alleged in recent videos to resistance from leaders like Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who refused to compromise Sabah’s natural resources for corporate interests.
The Higher Education Deputy Minister lauded the Chief Minister’s resolve, stating that the administration resisted attempts by corporations to bribe political leaders in exchange for approvals.
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He drew parallels between Hajiji’s efforts and the Prime Minister’s fight against corruption, particularly during his tenure as Finance Minister.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The Prime Minister, as the then Finance Minister, championed the Anti-Corruption Act in 1997 to empower the anti-corruption body. His firm stance against corruption led to his dismissal, imprisonment and the birth of the Reformasi movement.
“Today, that journey has culminated in his leadership as Prime Minister, proving that integrity and perseverance can prevail.”
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Mustapha said the recent video exposures were a stark reminder of how pervasive corruption remains. He urged for stronger enforcement by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“We need the MACC to act firmly and fairly. The public perception that only small offenders face justice while high-profile individuals escape must be eradicated.”
Beyond enforcement, Mustapha said there is a need for systemic reforms.
“Education is a long-term solution. Anti-corruption elements must be incorporated into school and university curriculums to build a generation that rejects corruption,” he said.
Likewise, also reforms in procurement practices and project monitoring.
He said effective oversight and adherence to quality standards are essential to reducing leakages and preventing corruption.
Other factors are a dignified wage system, noting that inadequate salaries can create opportunities for corrupt practices to thrive.
He also urged political transparency and advocated introducing a Political Funding Act to regulate party financing, addressing vulnerabilities that could expose politicians to corrupt practices.
Mustapha also hoped the coming state election would be PRN17 would be a turning point for Sabah.
“The state election is an opportunity for Sabahans to choose leaders who are ethical, capable and dedicated to driving meaningful change. Let us elect leaders who can take Sabah to greater heights of success.
“It is time to focus on the future and to build a Sabah that we can all be proud of, free from the shackles of corruption,” he said.