A NGO today came out to defend Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor after the latter was accused of abusing his powers by former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) Sdn Bhd CEO Jontih Enggihon.

Speaking after lodging a police report on the matter, Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) chairperson Andie Zulkarnain Baharuddin Mahdar said the allegations were slanderous and made in bad faith.

“I know Hajiji personally. Even though, I’m not a member of Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak (GRS), there is a lot of difference between the chief minister and other leaders in the state.

“Allegations that Hajiji had pressured a former CEO, forcing people to give contract to his favoured people…I’m certain this is a slander.

“He (Jontih) made the allegations but where is the evidence? The police must be firm and get Jontih to provide evidence,” he said after a lodging the report at the Sri Petaling police station today.

Two days ago, Malaysiakini published a video given by a whistleblower showing Jontih claiming the decisions made in relation to the state-government-owned firm, of which Hajiji is the chairperson, were “very politically driven”.

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/725684 - published

“There were numerous decisions which I disagreed with. Made me stressed. Have to follow this and that because of politics,” he complained.

Referring to the “latest” board of directors meeting, Jontih said there was an instruction for five prospecting licence (PL) holders to look for new areas after putting in two years of work and investing huge sums in two areas.

“Of these PL, explorations for two had been carried out, surface mapping (took) almost two years (to complete).

“The licence expired and an extension was requested. Spent millions. The technical team had entered the jungle, machinery was bought, there was also an office (set up in the area), there was a store (building), and vehicles were bought. Heavy machinery from China was ordered and on the way.

“(Suddenly) told to move. Stop the exploration and look for another area,” he added.

Report against whistleblower

Meanwhile, Andie said he had also lodged a police report against the whistleblower over his claims that several Sabah politicians had engaged in corrupt acts.

“There is viral news about the allegations made but the whistleblower has yet to lodge a report with the MACC.

“I won’t touch on that (the news) but when it comes to corruption, we must support the authorities in taking action against the perpetrators.

“And there are claims that the duo (Jontih and the whistleblower) is dissatisfied…with the former CEO’s tenure not extended until there were threats made. This confusion leads to me to believe that something is not right,” he claimed.

Andie added that he would also lodge a report against the duo with the MACC tomorrow.

“I think we have some documents that may help the MACC to probe Jontih and the whistleblower,” he added.

On Nov 11, Hajiji vowed to give full cooperation over the videos of state assemblypersons discussing money but wants authorities to arrest and probe the alleged “bribe giver” first.

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/725671 - vowed

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