Musa Aman says he's in UK and not on the run

KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, who has remained out of public eye, has come to say that he is currently in the United Kingdom and was not running away from the law.

He said that he was in UK for medical and other reasons, while dismissing claims that he has become a fugitive following a criminal intimidation report against him by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

“I have been informed of various statements and reports in recent days that I have left Malaysia illegally and that I have illegally entered the United Kingdom.

“The inference is that I have become a fugitive and am making myself deliberately unavailable to the authorities with regard to investigations into events at Istana Negeri on the night of May 10 and into associated matters,” he said in a statement made available here Tuesday (June 26).

“Nothing could be further than the truth. I believe that some of these reports have regrettably been made with the intention of seeking to embarrass or discredit me for political reasons,” added Musa in the statement.

Musa said that he left Malaysia "lawfully” on May 16.

He said that he has already started legal action, seeking orders against both the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal over the unconstitutional removal as chief minister.

“He (TYT) improperly asked me to resign within 48 hours, declined to sign Instruments of Appointment, and purported to swear in Datuk Shafie Apdal as Chief Minister whilst I was still in office.

“These matters are now subjudice and before the High Court as a result of my originating summons,” he said.

On the criminal intimidation report, Musa said that he was willing to assist the police and has communicated with Sabah police commissioner Datuk Ramli Din on the matter.

“I have instructed lawyers both in Malaysia and London that any questions or requests for further information are only to be communicated to them,” he added.