Christoper Mandut
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno should reflect on its own position before calling for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor to step down over the ongoing mineral project scandal.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth Chief Christoper Mandut highlighted that Sabah Umno Liaison Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin is also facing corruption charges involving RM2.8 million related to a Felcra Bhd investment.
The Court of Appeal had on Nov 18 ordered former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister (Bung Moktar) and his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izzette Abdul Samad, to enter their defence on the charges.
“If Sabah Umno is calling for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman to resign, their own chairman should also step down to enable a transparent and independent investigation into his alleged corruption,” said Christoper.
Christoper was responding to Sabah Umno Youth Chief Sufian Abd Karim’s recent remarks, where he raised concerns over allegations of mismanagement, abuse of power and potential corruption involving several Sabah assemblymen, as seen in viral videos.
While acknowledging Sufian’s concerns, Christoper urged Sabah Umno to “look in the mirror” before making such demands.
He noted that the Chief Minister had repeatedly assured the public that the corruption allegations against certain assemblymen had been referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“The MACC is an independent body responsible for tackling corruption, abuse of power, and malpractice in the country. The Chief Minister has pledged full cooperation with MACC investigations. Does Sufian doubt MACC’s credibility? Why demand the Chief Minister’s resignation when he has already committed to transparency?” questioned Christoper.
Christoper added that Hajiji’s declaration of having “nothing to hide” reflects his sincerity and commitment to the truth.
“If Sabah Umno’s chief truly has nothing to hide, he should consider stepping down to allow the MACC to investigate his corruption case without prejudice. As a Member of Parliament, he carries a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the government and restore public trust,” he said.
