Sabah UMNO has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to immediately open an investigation into Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s admission that he had received political funds without declaring them officially. The revelation, they argued, casts serious doubt on the integrity and transparency of the Sabah state government’s leadership.
Sabah UMNO War Room Secretariat Head, Datuk Ir Abdul Aziz Julkarnain, said the admission was particularly shocking given that Jeffrey had long portrayed himself as a leader fighting for Sabah’s sovereignty under the slogan “Sabah for Sabahan.” He stressed that a full probe was necessary to determine the origins of the funds, the identity of the donor, and whether the contribution was linked in any way to government approvals or state decisions.
Abdul Aziz emphasised that if there was evidence of conflict of interest, legal action must follow swiftly, regardless of the individual’s political status, whether a minister, representative, or government official. He warned that undeclared financial receipts could potentially breach Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which prohibits public servants from soliciting or accepting bribes in exchange for official actions.
According to him, the absence of proper documentation or a transparent declaration process raises strong suspicion that the funds might constitute kickbacks. He added that this makes it crucial for investigators to act without delay, stressing that Sabahans deserve clarity and honesty from those entrusted with power.
The controversy has further eroded public confidence in the “Sabah for Sabahan” narrative, once seen as a rallying cry for local sovereignty and good governance. Abdul Aziz remarked that the slogan risks becoming hollow, particularly as some of its most vocal proponents now find themselves linked to questionable business transactions and allegations concerning the state’s economic interests.
This is not the first time Jeffrey’s financial dealings have come under scrutiny. He previously testified for several hours in connection with allegations of RM1.6 million in corruption, while other opposition leaders have also pressed MACC to look into the funding sources of Perikatan Nasional during the last general election.
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