KOTA KINABALU: A lawmaker has proposed the establishment of an Oversight Committee within the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, modeled after the United States Congress, to ensure transparency in governmental decisions.
"Issues like mineral management and social media complaints should be tabled and scrutinised," said Datuk Darell Leiking (Warisan-Moyog).
The Parti Warisan deputy president said it was time to reform the state assembly with the creation of the Oversight Committee to keep lawmakers informed about the state government’s actions.
Regarding Sabah’s natural resources, Leiking said he was concerned with the mismanagement of the state’s minerals and hydrocarbons.
He questioned why the public is left in the dark about companies managing Sabah's resources.
Leiking also commends ex-Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon for exposing potential mismanagement of Sabah minerals and calls for more people to come forward and expose the state's possible wrongdoings.
He said this during the 2025 Sabah Budget session at the State Legislative Assembly on Monday (Nov 18).
Leiking said that transparency is essential to combat the “kawtim” culture.
“The 'kawtim' culture, where deals are made in secrecy, often at the expense of the people, should not happen, " Leiking said.
He urged the government to publish a list of companies involved in managing the state's minerals and their terms with Sabah's GLCs.
Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in issuing licences and land management in Sabah.
"I questioned this in Parliament, particularly in light of the South China Sea disputes. The Philippine government is asserting its claims, and we are dealing with China’s influence. If we do not manage our resources and boundaries responsibly, there will be consequences," he said
The Warisan president said that the Foreign Minister has confirmed that Sabah’s Land and Survey Department and the state government were involved in boundary-related decisions, stressing that transparency in these matters is paramount.
Referring to Article 2(1) of the Federal Constitution, he said that any change to state boundaries must be approved by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), and that neither the Yang di-Pertua Negeri nor the Chief Minister or Cabinet has the unilateral authority to alter state boundaries.
"It is a constitutional right, and transparency is essential," Shafie added.
