Jahid Jahim
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Deputy President Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim has vehemently denied allegations linking him to a bribery scandal involving a mining operation in Sabah, as reported by Malaysiakini on June 28.
The report, titled “Lagi Kejutan Sabah: Skandal pelombongan selubungi STAR, pemimpin tertinggi PBS” and authored by RK Anand and Alyaa Alhajri, accused Jahid of allegedly receiving RM150,000 in connection with the purported scandal.
Describing the claims as “baseless and defamatory,” Jahid who is also Rural Development Minister said he has never received any funds related to mining approvals or the issuance of licenses in Sabah.
He said his ministry is not involved in any process pertaining to the approval of mining-related applications.
“As the Tamparuli Assemblyman, I wish to state clearly that no Prospecting License or any mining-related license has been approved or issued in my constituency,” he said in a statement today.
Jahid further criticised what he described as an “unchecked practice” by certain parties who exploit media platforms to manufacture false narratives of corruption before any official investigation has been carried out.
“The approach taken by Malaysiakini is irresponsible and unlawful. By publishing such allegations without substantiated evidence or due process, they are inviting the public to pass premature judgment,” he added.
He also echoed similar concerns voiced by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who recently refuted parallel allegations involving the same scandal. Both leaders believe that certain quarters are strategically using the media to destabilise the Sabah Government ahead of the upcoming State Election.
“This tactic of discrediting leaders and engineering regime change through media manipulation is not new in Sabah. It follows a familiar playbook we have seen used since the 1960s,” said Jahid.
In response to the publication, Jahid revealed that he is currently seeking legal advice and is considering taking legal action against Malaysiakini and its two journalists.
“I reserve all my legal rights in this matter,” he said.
