KOTA KINABALU: The legal process in the mineral mining case must be respected and allowed to take its course without interference or premature assumptions of guilt, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
His comments followed reports that two Sabah assemblymen are expected to be charged after investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“I understand that charges will be filed against two individuals, although I do not know who they are.
"Regardless, the legal process must be followed properly,” the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman told reporters after presenting aid to Kampung Petagas and Bukit Vor fire victims in Putatan on Wednesday (June 18).
ALSO READ: Video clip case: MACC finalising warrants, court dates to charge trio, including two assemblymen
He stressed that everyone has the right to defend themselves, and the courts should be allowed to determine the outcome without external pressure.
“Let the courts decide whether they are guilty or not. They will have the opportunity to clear their names,” he added.
Hajiji said the state government is firmly committed to upholding the law and promoting integrity across all levels of governance.
“We take this matter seriously. The Sabah government is committed to ensuring not only adherence to the law but also nurturing a culture of integrity among government officials and civil servants,” he stressed.
Asked if the MACC’s investigation could affect the administration’s image or stability, Hajiji said he believed it would not impact the government.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said earlier Wednesday that the graft buster is finalising arrest and charge warrants for three individuals, including two Sabah assemblymen, in connection with the case.
ALSO READ: Video clip case: MACC calls in Sabah assemblyman to give his statement
The charges will be brought before the Special Corruption Court, with court dates expected to be set within a week and possibly as early as the end of June.
Azam added that the case stems from viral "whistleblower video" recordings allegedly involving graft linked to mineral mining licences.
He did not rule out the possibility of more individuals being implicated depending on further findings by prosecutors.
