KOTA KINABALU: Corruption allegations recently levelled against Sabah STAR are part of a broader political conspiracy aimed at destabilising the state government and derailing efforts to strengthen local coalitions, according to Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Kitingan confirmed that a police report would be lodged in response to the allegations.
"We will observe the accused’s reaction, and discuss the matter further with legal experts and judges,” he said, referring to the latest revelation by an online news portal which implicated several Sabah STAR leaders, including himself.
While refraining from naming any specific individual behind the alleged smear campaign, Kitingan did not discount the possibility of hidden political motives.
"There appears to be a hidden hand moving and planning things behind the scenes. Only those interested in destroying the government and taking over would resort to such tactics.
"This is not new, it has been going on for the last 10 years. Same game, nothing surprising," he said.
Earlier in his speech at the Sabah STAR ninth anniversary gathering launch on Tuesday (July 1), Kitingan noted that it was impossible for such videos to be filmed without any ill intentions.
He described the latest accusations as "entrapment" and dismissed them as part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish his party’s credibility, especially as it was the last to be implicated in recent graft claims.
"Maybe they reserved the best for last," he quipped.
Asked about potential fallout in terms of public support, Kitingan said it remained uncertain.
"Some will surely exploit this news. We can already see certain parties using it to influence public perception," he said.
Kitingan also confirmed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had contacted him earlier for explanations, but there had been no follow-up until the latest allegations surfaced in the media.
"We gave our side initially, and then there was silence. Suddenly, the news broke," said Kitingan, who is also the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister.
Despite the controversy, Kitingan insisted that the incident would only strengthen his political resolve.
He linked the issue to broader efforts to fortify local unity, including the upcoming July 12 convention with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).
"This situation only reinforces our commitment to unity and moving forward together," he said.
Citing unnamed sources, apart from Kitingan, the online portal also named Sabah STAR deputy presidents Datuk Ellron Angin and Datuk Robert Tawik, as well as Parti Bersatu Rakyat president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, acting PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, and the party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim.
