Two Sabah elected representatives caught in the mining corruption scandal believed they have been cleared after Malaysia’s anti-graft agency declared a viral video linking them to bribery as unreliable. 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently announced that forensic analysis found the footage, which had circulated online, to be edited and lacking credibility.

Sinar Harian reported that Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the findings confirm that the allegations against him were baseless.

“It’s settled now, which means it’s true. Who else should we trust?” he said. “I have always said, let the MACC investigate, and now they have made their announcement. Those accusations and negative interpretations have been answered.”

Yusof insisted there was no longer an issue and dismissed any further discussion on the matter.

“There is no more issue. We will continue working as usual. I don’t want to discuss this any further. We want to move forward and close this case.”

He accused those who continue to bring up the allegations of having a “toxic mindset” and acting out of personal vendettas.

“This is all toxic thinking—grudge and envy. The people should evaluate for themselves who these toxic-minded leaders are,” he said.

Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang, also named in the scandal, said he had never committed any wrongdoing.

“From the start, I saw nothing in that video that suggested I had committed any crime or corruption. I never received any money—whether through an agent or anyone else,” he said.

He expressed relief that the authorities had found no evidence against him.

“Now, all Malaysians can see that this was a malicious attempt to tarnish our names,” he added.

The MACC had earlier confirmed that it had questioned five witnesses, including a Sabah politician, as part of its investigation.

Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the eight videos published by the MalaysiaKini news portal were edited and could not be used as evidence in court. – February 18, 2025