Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming used a campaign event in Kota Kinabalu to reinforce the unity government’s stance on integrity, saying the administration would not shift from its zero-tolerance position even when controversies touch those close to the country’s leadership. His remarks came as Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin stepped down as the prime minister’s senior political secretary, a move that Kor Ming framed as evidence of the government’s willingness to act firmly whenever ethical concerns arise.
Speaking at a dinner event organised for DAP candidates, Kor Ming addressed the issue directly, making it clear that the resignation was not tied to bribery or financial wrongdoing. Instead, he linked the matter to a support letter issued last year involving a hospital project, noting that such actions disrupt the fairness of the public procurement process. He said the letter had signaled endorsement for a contractor, something that should not have been done despite no money changing hands.
Kor Ming described the resignation as sending a strong message across all levels of government. He argued that it demonstrated that the administration—prime minister included—remained committed to upholding integrity even when the scrutiny fell on its own ranks. He stressed that the government would neither protect nor shield anyone from accountability, adding that the public bidding process must remain uncontaminated.
According to him, the situation left Shamsul with no choice but to step aside to preserve the government’s credibility. Kor Ming portrayed the move as a reflection of leadership consistency, pointing out that the prime minister’s principles on corruption applied equally to those working closest to him. He suggested that the resignation showed the system was functioning as intended, reinforcing transparency while preventing any perception of bias.
Kor Ming also went further, stating that any government figure found engaging in misconduct should be compelled to resign, regardless of rank or political affiliation. This, he said, forms part of the wider effort to ensure clean governance and to maintain public trust amid heightened political attention.
The minister’s comments are seen as part of the government’s broader attempt to reassure the public that ethical breaches—whether minor or serious—will be handled decisively. The controversy surrounding the support letter has placed added spotlight on the administration’s integrity agenda, with Shamsul’s resignation now serving as a key illustration of the government’s commitment to enforce the standards it promotes.
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