Sabah Umno Youth Calls for Chief Minister’s Resignation Amid Mining Scandal
Background
A recent mining scandal has rocked the state of Sabah, with allegations of corruption involving several assemblymen and top officials. The scandal has led to calls for Chief Minister Hajiji Noor to step down and allow an independent and transparent investigation to proceed without interference.
Sabah Umno Youth’s Demands
Sabah Umno Youth chief Sufian Abd Karim has called for Hajiji to step down as chief minister, stating that the chief minister’s involvement in the scandal renders him unfit to lead the state. Sufian also demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) and for the findings to be disclosed to the public to restore confidence in the state administration.
Sufian’s Statement
"Hajiji should step down as chief minister of Sabah to allow an independent and transparent investigation to proceed without interference from the administration," Sufian said in a statement. "The people of Sabah deserve to know the truth, and the Sabah Umno Youth wing can no longer remain silent. It is deeply concerning that there are allegations of the state’s wealth being misused, resulting in significant losses for Sabah and its people."
Hajiji’s Response
Hajiji has denied any wrongdoing and pledged to cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation. He has also accused Jontih Enggihon, the former CEO of SMM, of being involved in the scandal and has called for Jontih’s arrest.
The Allegations
The scandal began when SMM accused its former CEO, Jontih Enggihon, of breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and misconduct. The allegations were made after Jontih was accused of colluding with a whistleblower behind several videos that went viral, alleging corruption involving a number of Sabah assemblymen.
Jontih’s Denial
Jontih has denied the allegations, stating that the claim that he had acted as a middleman between the whistleblower and assemblymen was a "total lie." He has also claimed to have evidence of Hajiji’s abuse of power, including text messages from the chief minister and minutes from SMM board of directors meetings.
Conclusion
The mining scandal in Sabah has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The resignation of Chief Minister Hajiji and a comprehensive investigation into the allegations are necessary to restore public trust in the state administration.
FAQs
Q: What are the allegations against Jontih Enggihon?
A: Jontih is accused of breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and misconduct.
Q: What is the role of Hajiji in the scandal?
A: Hajiji is accused of being involved in the scandal and has denied any wrongdoing.
Q: What has been the response of Sabah Umno Youth?
A: Sabah Umno Youth has called for Hajiji to step down and for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into SMM.