Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno wants transparency over the controversial awarding of a mineral exploration license to a company with no proven financial track record or experience in the mining sector.
Sabah Umno Strategic Communications Director Datu Rosman Ahir Zaman said the 17,600-hectare concession spanning Telupid, Beluran and Ranau has raised public concern after revelations surfaced linking the company to relatives of key political figures within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah State Government.
“Corporate records show the company only pivoted to mineral exploration after applying for the licence, having previously operated at a loss in unrelated sectors.
“This has led to accusations that the approval process was fast-tracked to benefit politically connected individuals,” he said in a statement, here, Monday.
“By what criteria did a financially unstable company with zero mining expertise secure rights to Sabah’s precious resources?
“The Chief Minister’s claim that this is merely for exploration, not mining is a technical smokescreen that ignores the core issue of credibility,” he said.
He said the people are demanding for accountability and demand an immediate freeze on all exploration licences issued since 2023 pending investigation.
“We also want a joint probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police into the approval process as well as full public disclosure from the Chief Minister and the relevant ministers.
“In addition, we also want a Royal Commission of Inquiry to overhaul Sabah’s mineral licensing system,” he said.
“Sabah’s natural wealth belongs to its people, not political elites and if GRS has nothing to hide, they should welcome scrutiny instead of hiding behind procedural excuses,” he added.