KOTA KINABALU: Corruption allegations are not unique to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alone, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Calling for a fair and balanced view of such allegations, the GRS deputy secretary-general reminded the public and political figures alike not to make premature judgments based on perception, particularly in cases that are still under legal scrutiny.
“Corruption cases have involved leaders from various political backgrounds, opposition and government alike.
“Some have been charged and acquitted, others convicted, and some granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA). There are also cases that have dragged on for years,” he said.
Armizan said this in response to Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud’s recent remarks expressing shock over an undisclosed video allegedly involving GRS leaders, a development Mustapha believes could shift the state’s political landscape.
“What is interesting is that the individual who previously admitted publicly to offering bribes to several assemblymen has now pleaded not guilty in court. Does pleading not guilty mean he never gave bribes?” Armizan asked after flagging off the Kembara ReDI Sabah Zone and the launch of the first ReDI mural in Borneo on Tuesday (July 1).
Armizan was referring to Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing, the whistleblower-turned-accused, after he was charged in court for allegedly giving bribes to several Sabah leaders for prospecting mining licences in 2013.
He noted that GRS has maintained its position to let the legal process take its course, as stated by its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“We have never commented openly on corruption cases involving leaders from other parties. We choose to respect the legal system,” he said, adding that the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" must apply across the board, regardless of political affiliation.
Armizan also warned against the selective use of corruption allegations as a political weapon.
“Let’s not turn corruption charges into tools for targeted political attacks. We have seen leaders across the political divide implicated in similar cases. It is not fair to single out GRS,” he said.
Over the past seven to eight months, Armizan said GRS has endured public criticism and accusations, but has refrained from responding in kind.
“Now the situation raises questions. When someone who had previously admitted to giving bribes now denies it in court, is that no longer corruption? Let the people judge for themselves,” he said.
He further stressed that the legal process should be allowed to proceed without interference, prejudice or political pressure.
“I am not asking anyone to be biased in favour of GRS, but let us not choose to turn a blind eye to facts just because they are inconvenient,” Armizan said.
