Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan provided a statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) this afternoon at their Kota Kinabalu office, following the release of a video purportedly linking him to an alleged mining scandal in the state.
The session, aimed at aiding the ongoing investigation, was confirmed by Anuar Ghani, information chief of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), of which Kitingan serves as president.
“Kitingan did not, in any form or shape, state any knowledge or acceptance of the alleged funds mentioned in the ‘leaked’ video,” Anuar was quoted by The Star as saying.
The Tambunan assemblyman is also expected to file a police report regarding the matter.
Anuar further asserted that STAR views the video as part of a deliberate conspiracy to tarnish Kitingan’s reputation. He suggested it may have been altered or fabricated using artificial intelligence.
“This demonstrates the fear held by the opposition and other concerned parties regarding Kitingan’s political stance and Sabah’s fluid political landscape,” Anuar stated. “So much so that they are willing to stoop to any level to implicate and associate him with any alleged wrongdoing – all of which is strongly denied.”
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that businessman Albert Tei had released a video recording of a conversation with Kitingan, claiming that the deputy chief minister received the largest payout in the alleged mining scandal.
Earlier today, Kitingan denied receiving any bribes related to mineral exploration licenses in Sabah. He told the portal that he “could not ‘really recall’ the conversation with Tei but said it appeared to be about political donations.”
