Successes won't erase graft scandals, Sabah Umno Youth leader warns Hajiji
Sabah Umno Youth vice-chief Bobby Balang, responding to Hajiji's (above) recent call for Sabahans to 'exercise wisdom' when facing unverified claims on social media, stressed that youths today are far from naive.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Robert Tawik also denies involvement in mining scandal
Robert Tawik KOTA KINABALU (July 1): Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Robert Tawik has denied allegations linking him to applications for mineral exploration licenses or receiving any funds related to such activities. The Assistant Minister of State Public Works described the accusations as politically motivated slander ahead of the approaching State Election. He stated that he has never been involved in any mining license applications or received any form of funding related to such activities. 'These allegations are baseless and malicious. They are desperate attempts to tarnish my image and damage the reputation of the state government,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. Robert affirmed his full cooperation with the authorities if required. 'As a leader, I remain committed and focused on fulfilling my responsibilities to the people. I will not be swayed or distracted by these unethical political attacks,' he emphasized. He also urged all parties to refrain from using slander as a political tool and instead engage in mature and responsible politics for the greater good of Sabah. STAR Sabah president and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan as well as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Sri Panglima Jahid Jahim have also denied allegations linking them to the bribery scandal. The allegations were published by Malaysiakini in an article dated June 28, 2025, titled 'Lagi Kejutan Sabah: Skandal pelombongan selubungi STAR, pemimpin tertinggi PBS'. Besides Jeffrey, Jahid and Robert, the news portal claimed that three other leaders were also involved in the scandal. Meanwhile, Robert has stressed the need for responsible discourse and unity in addressing Sabah's development challenges. Responding to recent statement by Sabah Umno vice youth chief Bobby Balang, he said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor's call for the public to exercise wisdom when navigating unverified claims on social media was a timely reminder in the digital age. 'The Chief Minister never questioned the intelligence of Sabahans. On the contrary, he urged for discernment – especially when misinformation can spread rapidly online and damage reputations without evidence,' her said. Robert said the government welcomes public scrutiny and is committed to transparency and good governance. 'Let's be clear – there is no room in this administration for corruption to be swept under the carpet. GRS remains steadfast in strengthening institutional integrity and taking action when wrongdoing is proven,' he said. He acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure and utility services, but said the current state leadership has taken proactive steps to address long-standing issues that were inherited from previous administrations. 'Development is not a cover for corruption. It is our mission. Real progress requires both infrastructure improvements and public trust – and that is what we are working hard to earn,' he added. Robert urged for constructive engagement from all political players, particularly those in the unity government at the federal level. 'It's easy to criticise from the sidelines, but Sabahans deserve solutions, not just soundbites. We call on all parties to work together for the people's benefit – that is true leadership.'
Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Trust the legal process, Armizan says after Sabah leaders charged with graft
Armizan Mohd Ali said GRS leaders have never publicly commented on corruption cases involving other parties, even when under pressure. PETALING JAYA : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali today called on all parties to put their trust in the legal process after an assistant minister and a GRS assemblyman were charged with corruption yesterday. In a statement, Armizan said that nobody should jump to conclusions based on perceptions, sentiments, or one-sided media reports. 'Let us not be quick to label someone a corrupt criminal before the legal process has run its full course. Perception is not always reality, and we have a legal system for a reason. 'I am not asking anyone to be particularly fair to GRS, but let us not turn a blind eye to the realities before us,' he said. He also said that when it came to allegations of corruption, many leaders across various parties had been implicated – some from the opposition, and others from within the ruling coalition itself. 'Some have already been tried and acquitted, others have been convicted. Some were granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, while others have ongoing trials that have dragged on for years. 'As for the so-called 'money trails' in corruption cases, we've seen funds go directly into personal accounts, into spouses' accounts, proxy companies, or even take the form of assets and other benefits.' But despite such cases, Armizan said GRS leaders had refrained from making public or official comments on the legal proceedings of leaders from other parties. 'Even when we have been cornered or pushed to the wall, we have not retaliated with comparisons. We have instead chosen to let the legal process take its course,' he added. On Monday, Sabah assistant industrial development and entrepreneurship minister Andi Suryady Bandy and Sindumin assemblyman Dr Yusof Yacob were charged with receiving bribes related to mineral prospecting licence applications in the state. Andi, the Tanjung Batu assemblyman from Umno, and Yusof, from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, were charged with receiving RM200,000 and RM150,000 in bribes, respectively. Businessman Albert Tei was charged with bribing them. All three claimed trial. Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said his administration would let the law take its course and would not interfere in any investigation or legal action against any of its government leaders. Sabah PKR chairman Mustapha Sakmud, however, reportedly described the scandal as a shocking development that could significantly change the Sabah political landscape.
Daily Express
9 hours ago
- Daily Express
Trust the legal process, Armizan says after Sabah leaders charged with graft
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Armizan Mohd Ali said GRS leaders have never publicly commented on corruption cases involving other parties, even when under pressure. PETALING JAYA: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali today called on all parties to put their trust in the legal process after an assistant minister and a GRS assemblyman were charged with corruption yesterday. In a statement, Armizan said that nobody should jump to conclusions based on perceptions, sentiments, or one-sided media reports. 'Let us not be quick to label someone a corrupt criminal before the legal process has run its full course. Perception is not always reality, and we have a legal system for a reason. 'I am not asking anyone to be particularly fair to GRS, but let us not turn a blind eye to the realities before us,' he said. He also said that when it came to allegations of corruption, many leaders across various parties had been implicated – some from the opposition, and others from within the ruling coalition itself. 'Some have already been tried and acquitted, others have been convicted. Some were granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, while others have ongoing trials that have dragged on for years. 'As for the so-called 'money trails' in corruption cases, we've seen funds go directly into personal accounts, into spouses' accounts, proxy companies, or even take the form of assets and other benefits.' But despite such cases, Armizan said GRS leaders had refrained from making public or official comments on the legal proceedings of leaders from other parties. 'Even when we have been cornered or pushed to the wall, we have not retaliated with comparisons. We have instead chosen to let the legal process take its course,' he added. On Monday, Sabah assistant industrial development and entrepreneurship minister Andi Suryady Bandy and Sindumin assemblyman Dr Yusof Yacob were charged with receiving bribes related to mineral prospecting licence applications in the state. Andi, the Tanjung Batu assemblyman from Umno, and Yusof, from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, were charged with receiving RM200,000 and RM150,000 in bribes, respectively. Businessman Albert Tei was charged with bribing them. All three claimed trial. Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said his administration would let the law take its course and would not interfere in any investigation or legal action against any of its government leaders. Sabah PKR chairman Mustapha Sakmud, however, reportedly described the scandal as a shocking development that could significantly change the Sabah political landscape. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
