Credibility of Anwar’s reform agenda questioned.
Businessperson Albert Tei has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take action against politicians implicated in the Sabah mining scandal, urging him to prove his commitment to combating corruption.
Tei questioned the credibility of Anwar’s reform agenda, noting that despite multiple exposés, only two of the 15 politicians allegedly involved have been charged so far. He said several of those named continue to hold senior positions in the Sabah government, including deputy chief minister and ministerial posts.
“The public perceives that the firmness and reforms repeatedly proclaimed by the prime minister are merely an act, producing no real results or benefits for our country.
“If Anwar is truly determined to fight corruption, then arrest and prosecute the remaining lawmakers implicated in the mineral exploration licence scandal, who are currently holding positions as deputy chief ministers and senior ministers,” he said in a statement.
Tei also criticised the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), accusing it of applying double standards in its investigations. He claimed that enforcement had been weak despite the submission of evidence, including alleged money trails, WhatsApp messages, official correspondence and video recordings.
Following MACC investigations, former assistant minister Andi Suryady Bandy, Sindumin assemblyman Yusof Yacob and Tei himself were charged in court in June last year.
Those named in the scandal include Chief Minister Hajiji Noor; Deputy Chief Minister I Joachim Gunsalam; Deputy Chief Minister II Masidi Manjun; Rural Development Minister Rubin Balang; and Local Government and Housing Minister Arifin Arif, who is also the son-in-law of Sabah Governor Musa Aman.
Others implicated are former deputy chief minister III Shahelmey Yahya; Tempasuk assemblyperson Arsad Bistari; Kuamut assemblyperson Masiung Banah; and state legislative assembly speaker Kadzim Yahya.
Tei also named several leaders of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), including its president Jeffrey Kitingan, his deputies Ellron Alfred Angin and Robert Tawik, as well as former party president Maximus Ongkili and former deputy president Jahid Jahim.
Taking aim at Anwar, Tei said the prime minister’s reformasi slogan had effectively become “reformati” after three years in power.
“Are these injustices and double standards truly the principle of the Madani government, so loudly championed by Anwar in his commitment to institutional reform and the uncompromising fight against corruption and abuse of power?
“I have waited for 14 months. How much longer must I wait?
“As a member of the younger generation, I urge Anwar to demonstrate sincerity and honesty in implementing the reforms he has fought for over the decades. Today’s youth are deeply disappointed with the prime minister’s actions,” he said.
Yesterday, Anwar reminded enforcement authorities not to overstep boundaries while carrying out their duties, amid public concern over alleged misconduct.
The remarks followed scrutiny of several enforcement agencies, including a raid on Tei’s home on Nov 28, during which he alleged MACC officers pointed a gun at him and his family. MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki denied the allegation, saying the arrest was conducted according to procedure.
Last month, Tei was charged with giving bribes to Anwar’s former senior political aide, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who was also charged with receiving bribes from the businessperson. Both cases were heard at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Dec 4 and the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Dec 5.