Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun has refused to comment on the ongoing mining license graft scandal.

He said the authorities’ probe must proceed without interference.

“I think it’s best we don’t interfere with MACC’s work,” Masidi said at a function in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.

“Any comments might be seen as meddling in their investigations,” he added.

He called on all parties to respect the investigative process.

“Let them do their job,” he said. 

Masidi is among eight assemblymen implicated in the investigation. He voluntarily provided his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on December 4, 2024.

This came after a video surfaced showing him discussing matters linked to the scandal. Last night, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed statements from 18 Sabah assemblymen had been recorded.

The case file has since been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action, he said. 

The scandal centers around video recordings made by a businessman who sought whistleblower protection. The whistleblower had secretly filmed senior Sabah assemblymen discussing alleged bribes.

The funds were reportedly offered in exchange for mining licenses on Sabah’s natural resources. The videos showed the businessman negotiating with the assemblymen to gain their support for the licenses. 

So far six of the assemblymen featured in the recordings have been identified.

They include Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and Tanjung Keramat assemblyman. Also named were Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, Datuk Rubin Balang, and Datuk Yusof Yacob.

Datuk Masiung Banah and Masidi were also implicated.

MACC says eight assemblymen are involved, but the identities of two remain undisclosed. Two investigation papers have been opened under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.

Last night, Azam said the scandal has been divided into two cases. 

One involves the whistleblower and a former senior official. The second focuses on the eight assemblymen accused of corruption.

“The Sabah police also investigated the whistleblower and former official. Their findings have been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor,” said Azam. 

Azam also revealed investigators have yet to receive the original video recordings. The recordings, leaked to a news portal, remain a key piece of evidence. He noted that further update on this case will be made known in February, next month.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. He said the claims were timed to undermine political stability in Sabah. – January 22, 2025.