KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is not interested in getting sidetracked on advancing the state by the corruption scandal implicating their leaders, says its information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Describing it as an “intended (act) to destabilise our focus”, Bangkuai said certain groups are threatened by the GRS-led government’s commitment to reform for the betterment of Sabah and its people.
"Many are concerned because they see that this government is doing well. It is all an attempt to distract us from our focus to develop the state and nation," he said on Thursday (Nov 14).
Bangkuai noted that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, has said the investigation should be left to authorities, with the state government ready to fully cooperate.
He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also commented on whistleblower protections, emphasising that such protections rely on the whistleblower's integrity.
With the election drawing close, Bangkuai questioned the timing and motive behind the allegations.
"If the intent is to distract the GRS-led government, why should we let it disrupt our work?
"The public should decide on the motive here. With the election nearing, this government is performing well, and Sabah is set to record over RM7bil in revenue, an all-time high,” he said.
Bangkuai questioned why, if the whistleblower believes the allegations to be credible, the person would go to the media rather than directly to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“If you want to steal someone's house, will you tell the owner, I want to steal your house? I mean, this is how I look at it.
“If one is genuinely committed to solving issues, the correct step is to go directly to MACC, not the media. Otherwise, it raises questions,” he added.
The whistleblower, whose identity is unknown, reportedly contacted MACC via a lawyer, seeking an agreement not to be investigated while providing evidence of alleged discussions involving bribes between a businessman and assemblymen for a project licence.
It is understood that at least eight videos related to the scandal exist, with two already made public through a news portal.
