UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has brushed aside concerns over the impending corruption charge against one of the party’s suspended member from Sabah.

Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryadi Bandy who also held the post of Sabah’s Assistant Industrial Development and Entrepeneurial Minister is one of two state assemblymen who has been called by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for questioning over the Sabah exploration mining scandal.

He has been reported by local media outlets as one of the two assemblymen to be charged in court by end of June.

Andi was suspended for refusing to heed the Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin call to withdraw their support to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

When asked about the matter, Zahid struck a measured tone, emphasising the importance of letting the legal process run its course.

“We give belief to the authorities, especially the MACC, to not only investigate, but to bring evidence and credible witnesses.

“And if someone has evidence to deny the witness or the accusation, then clear your name in court. That’s what I have done,” he told reporters in an event held in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.

While Zahid made no direct reference to the mining case or Andi’s impending charges, his remarks echoed a consistent stance he has maintained throughout his own legal battles — that politicians should defend themselves through the courts, not in the media or party corridors.

Zahid, who was previously acquitted of 47 involving multiple counts of criminal breach, corruption and money laundering, appeared unshaken by the controversy, projecting institutional confidence and avoiding rhetoric that could inflame internal tensions. – June 24, 2025