KOTA KINABALU: Opposition Warisan has questioned the Sabah government’s decision to appoint Dr Yusof Yacob, who is facing corruption charges, as chairman of Sabah Development Berhad (SDB).
Warisan vice president Datuk Junz Wong said the move was deeply troubling from a governance and public accountability perspective.
“Dr Yusof, like any citizen, is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The issue here is whether it is appropriate, prudent, and responsible for the state government to place a person facing serious corruption charges at the helm of a major government-linked company (GLC) entrusted with public assets and development funds.
“The appointment could have been deferred until the court process concludes. That would have respected judicial independence while protecting SDB’s credibility,” Junz said in a statement on Friday (Jan 16)
He also called on the GRS government to reconsider the appointment in the interest of accountability and public trust.
“Sabahans expect leadership that upholds integrity, not decisions that weaken confidence in public institutions.
“In good governance, legality is the minimum requirement. Integrity, credibility, and public confidence are the higher tests, especially for positions involving public money and state interests,” he said.
Junz, who is also the Tanjung Aru assemblyman, said SDB plays a strategic role in managing development projects, state land, and commercial ventures, and its leadership must be beyond reproach.
“By proceeding with this appointment while the case is still ongoing, the GRS government risks sending the message that ethical considerations are secondary, and that corruption charges are not a serious barrier to high office.
“This erodes public trust and lowers the moral bar for public service," he added.
Junz said that international and domestic governance practices consistently emphasise the need for public officials and GLC leaders to avoid even the perception of impropriety.
“In many mature democracies, including the United Kingdom and Australia, public officials and ministers routinely step aside when facing serious investigations or charges, not because they are guilty, but to protect the integrity of institutions,” he said.
In Malaysia, past practice has seen civil servants and officials placed on leave or reassigned while under investigation to safeguard institutional credibility.
“These are not punitive measures. They are preventive safeguards designed to protect institutions, not individuals,” Junz said.
