State-owned mining firm, Sabah Mineral Management (SMM), has sent a legal notice to news outlet Malaysiakini, warning that its recent article on Sabah’s mining scandal may have crossed a legal line.
The problem? Allegedly violating a court injunction by reporting on the licensing process, which is already an issue already before the courts.
The law firm representing SMM, made its position clear in a letter sent last night. It claims that the article published yesterday contained information tied to ongoing legal proceedings and could be considered contempt of court.
“Under Malaysian law, including the principles of contempt of court, any third party with actual knowledge of an injunction order who knowingly assists or facilitates a breach of such an order may be liable for contempt,” the law firm stated in its letter.
To understand more on the report: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/733412
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Malaysiakini’s article featured claims from a whistleblower who alleged he had been offered a deal: reinstate his company’s mining exploration licences in exchange for publicly declaring that the disputed funds were political donations, apologising to implicated state assemblypersons, and framing his interaction with Chief Minister Hajiji Noor as a “misunderstanding.”
The legal letter demands that Malaysiakini pull all related articles and videos and provide written confirmation within 48 hours that it will comply with the court order.
If not? SMM is ready to escalate.
“Should Malaysiakini fail to comply, we are instructed to take all necessary legal steps to enforce compliance, including but not limited to initiating contempt of court proceedings,” the letter warned.
This latest development comes after SMM filed a lawsuit on Jan 23 against its former CEO Jontih Enggihon and third party Tei Jiann Chieng, who is believed to be the alleged whistleblower in the Sabah mining scandal.
The company claims it is seeking redress for fraud, breach of fiduciary duties and confidentiality, tampering with official documents, and conspiracy to injure by unlawful means. – Feb 5, 2025.
