Yesterday, Tei released a video recording of his conversation with Kitingan, whom he alleged had received the largest payout of all in the Sabah mining scandal.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has given his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following the release of a viral video implicating him in the state’s mining scandal.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) information chief Anuar Ghani said other leaders named in the video had also provided statements.
“Jeffrey did not, in any form or shape, state any knowledge of or acceptance of the alleged funds mentioned in the ‘leaked’ video. We leave it to the MACC to carry out their job. If the MACC decides to press any charges, the president of Star and the other officers will defend to their utmost their innocence and non-culpability in a court of law. Let the law take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he said in a statement, adding that Jeffrey would also lodge a police report.
Anuar described the video as part of a conspiracy to destroy and discredit Kitingan, claiming it had been tampered with and could have been manipulated using artificial intelligence. He noted that an earlier video involving businessman Albert Tei had “absolved and exonerated” Jeffrey and Star from involvement in the scandal.
“This demonstrates the fear held by the opposition and other concerned parties regarding Jeffrey’s political stance and Sabah’s fluid political landscape. So much so that they are willing to stoop to any level to implicate and associate him with any alleged wrongdoing — all of which is strongly denied,” Anuar said.
Kitingan himself denied Tei’s allegation that he received RM1.78 million in connection with mineral exploration licences. He said he could not “really recall” having such a conversation with Tei and suggested the video may have captured a discussion about political donations “years ago, before the election.”
“It is just a set-up to link us with the mining scandal, which has nothing to do with me or my Star YBs (elected representatives). Star leaders have never applied for mining licences either personally or under the party’s name. I am a conservationist!” he stressed.
Yesterday, Tei released a video recording of his conversation with Kitingan at a Kuala Lumpur seafood restaurant on 13 October 2024. In it, he alleged that Kitingan received the largest payout, RM1.78 million, higher than the RM1.6 million mentioned in the clip. The discussion reportedly centred on the cancellation of mining exploration licences.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Sabah MACC had opened an investigation paper based on the latest video.
“I have directed Sabah MACC to extend investigations based on the newly disclosed information. Both individuals mentioned in the recording will be summoned to give statements to assist the inquiry. The MACC will strive to complete the investigation as soon as possible with diligence and integrity. I urge all parties to remain patient and allow the MACC to conduct its work professionally. Baseless speculation will only disrupt the process and undermine public confidence in anti-graft efforts,” Azam said.
He added that MACC remains committed to carrying out its duties independently, transparently, and in accordance with the law to ensure justice is upheld.