Bung Moktar Radin Stands Firm as Sabah Umno Chief Amid Corruption Charges
No Resignation Calls
PETALING JAYA: Bung Moktar Radin, the Kinabatangan MP and Sabah Umno chief, has refused to step down from his position despite facing corruption charges alongside his wife, Zizie Izette Abdul Samad.
Charges and Denials
Bung Moktar and his wife were ordered to enter their defence on charges of corruption and abetment over a RM150 million Felcra investment. They have denied any wrongdoing, and Bung Moktar has insisted that the charges have not distracted him from carrying out his responsibilities as an Umno chief and as an elected representative.
Responsibilities Unaffected
"I still go down to the ground. And this week, I will be meeting the constituents as I always do," Bung Moktar told FMT, emphasizing that the corruption allegations have not impeded his ability to fulfill his duties.
Party Matters Internal
Bung Moktar also rejected calls by NGOs and activists for leaders to resign from their positions, stating that such calls are the norm. However, he will not "entertain calls from NGOs who are biased and are of little prominence." "When it comes to internal party matters, Umno will decide," he said.
Advice from a Former Law Minister
Zaid Ibrahim, a former law minister, urged Bung Moktar to resist calls to step down as Sabah Umno chief. Zaid believed that resigning amid serious charges before any decision is taken by the courts would be both naive and impractical. "Laws are often weaponised against political opponents," he warned.
Conclusion
In the face of corruption charges, Bung Moktar Radin remains steadfast in his position as Sabah Umno chief. While NGOs and activists may call for his resignation, he will continue to lead the party’s state chapter, as he sees fit. It remains to be seen how this will impact his relationships with constituents and the wider political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the nature of the charges against Bung Moktar Radin?
Bung Moktar Radin and his wife are facing charges of corruption and abetment over a RM150 million Felcra investment. - Why is Bung Moktar Radin refusing to step down as Sabah Umno chief?
Bung Moktar believes that the corruption allegations have not distracted him from his responsibilities as an Umno chief and as an elected representative. - What advice has been offered to Bung Moktar Radin?
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has advised Bung Moktar to resist calls to step down as Sabah Umno chief, citing concerns about the politicization of the legal system.