EXCLUSIVE: Framed as a corruption case, the Sabah mining scandal is now raising questions about possible political motives, said an analyst.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah Associate Professor Dr. Lee Kuok Tiung believes the case has clear political undertones.

“There are two narratives here. The smaller picture is corruption. The bigger picture? Could this be an attempt to dismantle a government?” he said.

Lee questioned the selective targeting of political figures, noting that those implicated so far are mostly from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

The case took another turn when Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki dismissed videos linking politicians to the scandal, calling them unreliable.

Despite no direct evidence of political interference, Lee noted that the involvement of high-profile lawyers has fueled speculation.

Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah and Chin Teck Ming have emerged as key figures in the case.

Shafee, a well-known lawyer with a history of defending political figures, is representing the whistleblower.

Chin, linked to Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), is defending Jontih Enggihon, one of the key suspects who was the former boss of Sabah Mineral Management.

Their involvement has intensified speculation that the scandal extends beyond the courtroom.

Lee also pointed to the media coverage, suggesting a deliberate narrative shift.

“When news is reported, what is the message being sent? That’s the real question,” he said.

Even as the MACC dismisses controversial video evidence, Lee questions whether the case is being selectively pursued.

For some, the mining scandal mirrors past cases used to destabilize political factions.

“It’s always the same pattern—someone is accused, someone is defended. But what’s the bigger play here?” Lee said. — February 21, 2025