Darell Leiking argued that a single-day event would be sufficient.
Sabah, the state with the highest poverty rate in Malaysia, is set to host a three-month-long birthday celebration for its newly appointed governor, Musa Aman. The announcement comes amid an ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into several assemblypersons, including Musa’s son-in-law, Arifin Arif, over alleged bribery linked to mineral exploration licences.
Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking has strongly criticised the use of public funds for the extended festivities, calling it unnecessary and wasteful.
“Personally, if the expenses are covered by private funds rather than taxpayer money—often branded as government funds—then there’s no issue,” he stated in a Facebook post.
“However, holding a three-month-long celebration using public funds or revenue from Sabah’s natural resources is an issue. Please don’t waste taxpayer money on excessively long events. Isn’t there already a designated public holiday for this?”
Leiking, who is also the Moyog assemblyperson, argued that a single-day event would be sufficient. He urged the state government to prioritise essential needs such as student scholarships, road repairs, skill development, and community improvements instead.
“No need to be angry… I’m probably just one of a handful of people who object to this wasteful spending, especially when the government should be focusing on its failures and shortcomings,” he added.
“Strangely enough, I have a feeling even the TYT (governor) himself might not support this crazy proposal from his administration.”
According to The Star, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joachim Gunsalam confirmed that a series of events will take place from Musa’s birthday on 30 March until 21 June.
The controversy deepened following allegations from a businessperson who exposed the Sabah corruption scandal. On 3 February, he claimed that Musa’s son-in-law had offered him a settlement. Two days later, Arifin filed a police report against a Malaysiakini article on the matter, prompting the businessperson to lodge a counter-report within 24 hours.
The police have yet to disclose the status of their investigations.
Since last November, the whistleblower has released nine videos and a collection of WhatsApp messages allegedly implicating the assemblypersons, including Arifin, in bribery related to mineral exploration licences.
Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has dismissed the allegations, accusing the whistleblower of colluding with parties seeking to undermine his administration. The businessperson, in turn, has been accused of being part of a cartel attempting to monopolise mining in Sabah.