Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Ellron Alfred Angin has firmly denied allegations that he accepted a RM530,000 bribe in connection with a purported mining scandal in the state.
In a statement responding to a Malaysiakini report dated 28 June 2025, Ellron described the allegations as “baseless slander motivated by immature political agendas aimed at undermining my reputation and integrity as an elected official.”
“I have always adhered to the principles of integrity, accountability, and good governance, in line with the Sabah state government’s firm stance against corruption,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Ellron, who also serves as deputy president of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), confirmed that he has instructed his legal counsel to initiate legal proceedings against any parties found responsible for disseminating the false accusations.
His remarks come in the wake of a similar denial issued by STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan, who, along with four other Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, was also named in the Malaysiakini report.
The controversy follows recent legal action involving Sabah Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Andi Suryady Bandy, and Sindumin assemblyman,Yusof Yacob. Both were charged earlier this week with accepting bribes related to mineral prospecting licence applications.
Dr Yusof currently chairs Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, the state’s investment arm, while the individual accused of bribing the duo, businessman Albert Wei, has also been charged.
The scandal first surfaced last year after a series of leaked videos emerged, purportedly showing discussions involving several Sabah lawmakers over alleged misconduct and bribery in relation to mineral exploration projects.
In February, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki stated that the initial set of leaked videos were deemed unreliable, having been heavily edited and lacking credibility.
