SMM blasts ‘politically motivated' allegations surrounding viral photo, threatens legal action
PETALING JAYA : Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has threatened legal action against media outlets and others over the continued publication of 'false, misleading, and defamatory' allegations stemming from a now-viral photograph of its officials.
In a statement addressing the photo which features current CEO Natasha Sim alongside several officials, the state-owned agency said: 'SMM unequivocally denies that any wrongdoing occurred.'
It described the controversy as 'politically motivated' and part of a 'broader campaign to damage the company and its officers'.
'Should these baseless accusations continue to circulate, we will not hesitate to initiate legal action, including against media outlets for defamation and malicious falsehood,' the statement read.
SMM noted that the allegations relate to an ongoing lawsuit involving Sim's predecessor, Jontih Enggihon, and businessman Albert Tei. The suit includes claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tampering with official documents, and conspiracy to injure.
'The current wave of public allegations appears to recycle issues already under judicial scrutiny,' it said.
It clarified that the photograph was taken during a working visit in August 2024 as part of foreign direct investment discussions with a mining conglomerate in Indonesia.
The visit followed board approval in February 2024 and was led by Sim, then serving as chief strategy officer.
It added that the first trip to the conglomerate's base had occurred in March 2023, and was initiated by Jontih as part of a due diligence exercise.
The partnership was formally recommended to the board by Jontih in December 2023.
On July 18, Malaysiakini reported that the now viral photograph had 'triggered a fresh political storm'.
Apart from Sim, the photograph featured SMM secretary Emily Chong and Sabah timber tycoon Elbert Lim next to a private jet.
The portal quoted Warisan assemblyman Justin Wong as claiming the photo had sparked a new scandal engulfing SMM.
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