Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has challenged three opposition politicians to reveal the source of anonymous social media messages linking him to a mineral corruption scandal in Sabah.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of living Minister called on Putatan Umno chief Jeffery Nor Mohamed, Warisan Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, and former Warisan Papar MP Ahmad Hassan to disclose the identities behind a viral “mesej layang” that accused him of being involved in corruption linked to Sabah’s mineral sector.
He said the three politicians had acted as amplifiers of a baseless narrative circulated through fake social media accounts, and challenged them to identify the individuals responsible for the allegations — specifically a supposed “investigative journalist (X7)” and a mysterious “Datuk Z”.
“If they truly exist, show the evidence. If not, I dare the three of them to say it out loud — accuse me of corruption without hiding behind vague statements,” Armizan said in a statement last night.
The anonymous message claimed Armizan was involved in a secret deal with foreign mineral cartels during a visit to Jakarta on May 16, 2023.
It referenced a meeting with Indonesian mining firm PT Bayan Resources, and alleged internal sources had proof of misconduct involving state-linked company Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM).
In response, Armizan denied any wrongdoing and clarified that the meeting in Jakarta was an official engagement between PT Bayan and SMM — in which he played a formal role as a board member of the company.
Armizan also held a ministerial portfolio at the time.
“The meeting was part of an official delegation. The photos clearly show the presence of both teams. There was nothing secret about it,” he said, adding that the discussion focused on reviewing legitimate, high-impact investment proposals.
Armizan said the trio’s statements echoed the content of the anonymous message, and that he has instructed his lawyers to issue formal letters to all three individuals seeking clarification on whether their remarks were aligned with the allegations.
He warned that if they fail to name their sources, they must take responsibility for perpetuating falsehoods and face legal consequences.
“Stop throwing stones and hiding your hands. If you’re brave enough to make allegations, be brave enough to show your face in court,” he said, vowing to sue once credible sources are confirmed.
“If their remarks were made outside Parliament, they could be held liable under Malaysia’s defamation laws, both civil and criminal,” Armizan warned.
Armizan further criticised the credibility of the unnamed “insiders” cited in the messages and said they failed to reflect any real understanding of how mineral governance works.
“Sabah cannot be led by those who are bankrupt of ideas, riding on lies and public sentiment to gain support. Leadership requires substance, not slander,” he added. – March 28, 2025
