Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has described the recent wave of corruption allegations involving state leaders as a form of political entrapment designed to dismantle locally-rooted coalitions and sideline Sabah’s political autonomy.
He alleged that the selective and staged nature of the charges suggested a larger conspiracy to destabilise the state’s political landscape, particularly targeting leaders who refuse to align with national interests.
“I can see that there are hidden hands moving around and planning all this behind the scenes,” he said during the Sabah STAR convention in Kota Kinabalu.
When asked who might be responsible, he replied, “Those who have an interest in destroying the government and taking over.”
Jeffrey did not name specific individuals but said the pattern was familiar.
“This is not new. It’s been going on for 10 years. The same game is being played. I’m no longer surprised.”
He confirmed that he had submitted documents to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and had previously been questioned in connection with a case involving prospecting licence applications.
However, he said there had been no further communication until charges were suddenly announced in the media.
“We were surprised. Suddenly the news says this and that. I want to know what really happened,” he said.
He dismissed claims of personal involvement in any corrupt dealings linked to the exploitation of Sabah’s natural resources, noting his long-standing position on environmental conservation.
“I wanted to do carbon (trading). If I were to follow, I wanted to generate revenue for the state through conservation efforts,” he said.
Jeffrey said the entire episode felt like a trap, questioning the staggered manner in which names were being released to the public.
“To me it is like an entrapment. Why were we the last group to be involved in the scandal? Why not all at once? Is there a phase to these plans?” he asked, referring to the recent claims that several more Sabah STAR and PBS leaders could be implicated.
The STAR president suggested the unfolding events were part of a wider strategy to weaken local political leadership in Sabah that resists federal influence.
“This could be their plan to disrupt Sabah political leaders when they refuse to bow to them,” he said.
He also pointed to comments made by Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, who suggested that the graft scandal could shift the state’s political landscape.
“So we can see already that this is their plan to shift the people’s attention from one situation to another,” Jeffrey added.
Despite the controversy, Jeffrey said the situation would only strengthen his party’s resolve.
Asked whether the investigation would alter his political strategy, he replied: “It will only strengthen it.” – July 1, 2025
