Yong: Premature to call for Pairin's resignation

SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee

PETALING JAYA: It is premature for DAP to call for the resignation of Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, over the corruption investigation involving the state's Water Department, said SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee. 

Yong said this following Sabah DAP chairman Stephen Wong's call for Pairin's resignation. 

"It is still too early at the current stage of the investigation to assign political responsibility for the crisis at the Sabah Water Department.

"Indeed, people may also ask DAP about the calls for the resignation of the Penang Chief Minister who is currently facing corruption charges,’’ said Yong.  

He, however, added that it takes more than a departmental director and his deputy to process, approve and implement RM3.3bil in development funds.

"It takes more. State and federal ministries, the Economic Planning Unit, Audit Department, among others, have some answering to do," said Yong.

He added in a press release on Monday that corruption, like the economy and security, would become a major election issue.

"There is a wise saying that the sun, the moon and the truths shall not be hidden for long. Eventually, the truths will surface. And as the truths and facts emerge, it is to be expected that people will be dismayed and feel angry," said Yong.

Last week, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested Sabah Water Department director Ag Tahir Ag Talib, 54, and his deputy Teo Chee Kong, 52, and seized over RM115mil, including some RM57mil in cash, from their houses and offices.

Two others, including Teo’s older brother – a 55-year-old businessman – and his accountant have been arrested since Tuesday for investigations into what is possibly the country’s biggest abuse of power, bribery and money laundering case.