Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has casted doubt on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) claim that the chief minister is in the clear.
In a sharp rebuke to MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who recently said he was confident that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was not involved in the alleged bribery videos, Shafie called for a full investigation — and warned that top officials should not be automatically absolved.
“If that’s what he (Azam) is saying, we already know the situations that will arise. If the tail exists, then the head must also exist,” he told reporters after officiating the Warisan Open Badminton Tournament on Saturday.
Shafie appears to be casting doubt on the claim that the chief minister was not involved, pointing out that if the corruption scandal has already ensnared certain assemblymen, it would be unrealistic to assume that the matter stops there.
Essentially, Shafie is arguing that the probe into the mining scandal should not stop at the lower ranks but must also scrutinise those in the top positions.
Shafie said public confidence isn’t enough — especially in matters involving public funds and integrity.
“Confidence alone isn’t enough. These matters involve integrity and transparency. Every aspect—documents, financial transactions, approvals—must be thoroughly examined,” he said.
While acknowledging that project approvals do not necessarily amount to wrongdoing, Shafie said scrutiny must include those making the decisions, not just those executing them.
He added that good governance must not remain a slogan, and investigations should align with the Prime Minister’s reform agenda.
“What’s important is that this aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive on good governance. If we’re serious about fighting corruption, we must do so at every level—not just talk about it,” he said.
Shafie also echoed calls for the issue to be debated openly in the Sabah state assembly, backing Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s push for full transparency.
“We’re not here as representatives of government or policy. We are the people’s representatives, and we must voice their concerns,” he said.
He’s expected to address the matter further during his speech in the assembly on Monday. – April 13, 2025
