KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno is calling for a full investigation into the state government's approval of a mineral prospecting licence granted to a little-known company allegedly linked to political figures.
Citing concerns over transparency, accountability, and public interest, the party’s strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datuk Ahir Zaman said that the people deserve to know the truth behind the issuance of the licence to Lincah Hebat Utama Sdn Bhd.
He claimed that the company lacks both a solid financial record and prior experience in mineral exploration, yet it has been granted approval to explore a vast area of 17,600ha across Telupid, Beluran, and Ranau.
“More worryingly, the company has been linked to individuals closely related to certain political figures within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government.
“These revelations raise serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the state administration in managing Sabah’s natural resources, which belong to its people,” he said.
Rosman questioned how a company that was previously incurring losses and only amended its business focus to mineral exploration after applying for the licence could have been granted access to such an extensive tract of land.
He said this casts serious doubt on the integrity and due diligence of the GRS-led administration, especially in light of the company’s alleged political connections.
“What is even more troubling is the silence from key leaders in the state government. The Chief Minister’s claim that the licence is only for exploration and not mining is a mere technical excuse that sidesteps the real issues of qualification, credibility and transparency,” said Rosman in a statement issued on Monday (April 7).
Sabah Umno also demanded a full and independent investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police into the entire approval process.
It wanted an immediate suspension of all prospecting licences issued since 2023, pending the outcome of investigations.
Rosman added that those directly involved, including the Chief Minister and the relevant minister, must make a full explanation to the public.
He said a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) should also be established to review the entire system of issuing prospecting and mining licences in Sabah.
“If the GRS government truly has nothing to hide, then it should welcome an investigation rather than hide behind procedural excuses,” Rosman added.
