The Sabah scandal: is it about minerals or power? 


Sabah first: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (left) and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (second right) unveiling the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution banner during the recent Kaamatan Festival 2025 launch in Tambunan.

AND just like that, the Sabah minerals controversy took a twist. It was a classic Langkah Billiards, which is my theory of the unintended consequences of creating a political plot to bring down Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and his Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government.

On June 28, less than 48 hours before two Sabah YBs and the so-called whistleblower were charged with corruption, six politicians from GRS were implicated. It seemed to me that the intention of revealing their names was the extension of a plot to make the Sabah-based coalition guilty in the court of public perception.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Columnists

Why Western Carmakers Are Losing Ground to China
Brain circulation or brain drain: Malaysia needs better metrics
Reaping timeless lesson on gratitude for our food
A weekend nobody took control – missed chances in Premier League
Artificial Intelligence Malaysia (AIM): A Digital Silk Road for All Malaysians
Why aren’t we angry anymore?
How not to get shortchanged in the bedroom
No more ‘Game of Thrones’
Lessons from Iran for Malaysia
A tale of two nails

Others Also Read