THE corruption scandal involving Sabah’s mineral mining licenses has triggered mounting calls for reform, with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah urging institutional accountability, while student activists accuse the federal leadership of hypocrisy and repression.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed recently that at least two individuals will be charged in court over the alleged abuse of power in the award of mining licenses.
The case, which surfaced late last year through leaked video clips, has since widened to implicate multiple political figures, following the submission of a 300-page dossier and forensic analysis of 10 recordings.
Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the legal action must mark a turning point for the state’s governance.
“We believe this step by the MACC sends an important message — that the culture of abuse of power can no longer be tolerated.
“It is time Sabah strengthens its governance standards with greater credibility and integrity,” he said in a statement.
Mustapha said Sabahans have long questioned how lucrative natural resources — particularly mineral-rich land — are being licensed and managed, often behind closed doors.
The state holds authority over mining.
He reiterated PKR Sabah’s full support for MACC investigations and urged the commission to also examine complaints of mismanagement in the water sector.
“Corruption is the enemy of development,” he said. “If left unchecked, it will erode public trust in the entire governance system.”
Meanwhile, Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Fadhil Kasim said the MACC charges do little to restore trust when top leaders continue to appear alongside figures linked to past controversies.
Fadhil also criticised the government’s alleged failure to honour Pakatan Harapan’s own manifesto, particularly the pledge to have the MACC chief’s appointment reviewed by a bipartisan parliamentary committee.
He further revealed that six Universiti Malaysia Sabah students, including himself, are under police investigation for announcing a peaceful rally against corruption, following a report lodged by the private secretary to head of state Tun Musa Aman.
“Meanwhile, corrupt figures roam free — without investigation, any raids, and not arrested.
“Where is the ‘long live the students’ cry now that youths are being threatened with lawsuits?” he said.
The rally, titled Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, is set to take place in Kota Kinabalu from June 21–22. Organisers are calling on all students, civil society groups, and the public to reclaim democratic space and pressure both state and federal leaders for genuine reform. - June 14, 2025
