PBS hits back at 'reckless' corruption claims from Warisan leader
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has dismissed allegations of corruption levelled by Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun, accusing him of twisting remarks and turning political donations into a “false narrative” of abuse of power.
PBS acting president Dr Joachim Gunsalam said Warisan’s claims were “reckless, misleading, and politically motivated,” adding that Siambun was engaging in “textbook political spinning” by ignoring context.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has dismissed allegations of corruption levelled by Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun, accusing him of twisting remarks and turning political donations into a “false narrative” of abuse of power.
PBS acting president Dr Joachim Gunsalam said Warisan’s claims were “reckless, misleading, and politically motivated,” adding that Siambun was engaging in “textbook political spinning” by ignoring context.
“Confirming that a video is genuine does not mean admitting guilt. Authenticity and wrongdoing are two very different things,” he said when responding to Siambun last night.
Yesterday, Warisan took the MACC to task over its alleged failure to act on a purported scandal involving mining projects in Sabah.
Siambun said Gunsalam’s acknowledgement of a video implicating him in the Sabah mining scandal was evidence that the incumbent deputy chief minister had received political donations from controversial businessperson Albert Tei.
“Gunsalam has now admitted the video is genuine. This means the recording we have watched, discussed, and questioned is not fake. It is real. It happened,” the Warisan leader said in a statement.
He argued that Gunsalam’s comment - “we never asked him, he gave it first” - was an admission that money had indeed changed hands.
“It doesn’t matter who offered or who asked. Money changed hands between a businessperson and elected representatives. That is the textbook definition of corruption and abuse of power,” he added.
Malaysiakini had earlier reported that Gunsalam confirmed the existence of a video showing him speaking with Tei, though the recording has not been released publicly.
‘Albert wants mining monopoly’
Gunsalam said that his remarks had been taken out of context, stressing that no one from PBS had solicited money and that any contributions from Tei were voluntary political donations handled through proper party channels.
“Political donations are not illegal when made transparently and in good faith.
“It is wrong and irresponsible to equate every contribution to a party as corruption,” he added.
The Kundasang incumbent argued that the wider controversy should be viewed as Tei’s attempt to dominate Sabah’s mining industry through proxy firms, not as proof of misconduct by PBS leaders.
Gunsalam said Warisan’s repeated demands for MACC action were “baseless provocations” aimed at influencing public opinion and destabilising PBS.
“Sabahans deserve truth, not theatrics. His so-called exposé is nothing more than a political performance meant to attack PBS and destabilise the leadership,” he said.
Gunsalam urged political rivals to focus on governance instead of trading accusations while reaffirming the party’s commitment to transparency and stability.
“Sabah will not move forward through slander and speculation. The people want leaders who build, not those who destroy,” he said.
