
Nanta denies Pan Borneo Highway corruption claims
PETALING JAYA: Works Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi denies corruption claims linking him to the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah (WP35) project.
Nanta said the allegations surfaced on a Telegram channel and accused him of corruption as the Works Minister.
He described the claims as a smear campaign aimed at damaging his and the government's reputation.
"I strongly deny all these allegations. These claims are nothing more than an attempt to tarnish my image and undermine my role as a minister," he said in a statement on Thursday (May 8).
Nanta said that the false claims spread beyond Telegram to other social media, creating a "negative perception and prejudice" among the public.
"I want to stress that slander should never be used as a tool to destroy anyone's reputation, especially for political or personal gain," he added.
A police report was lodged at the Tun H.S. Lee police station on Wednesday through his senior private secretary, calling for a full investigation and action against those responsible.
He pledged full cooperation with authorities in the investigation.
Nanta has been the Works Minister since 3 December 2022, overseeing major infrastructure projects, including the Pan Borneo Highway, a toll-free network spanning 1,800km across Sabah and Sarawak, costing RM27bil.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah assembly to sit July 7–8 amid dissolution speculation
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly will convene for a two-day sitting on July 7 and 8, possibly its last before a widely speculated early dissolution. According to sources from the Chief Minister's Office, the session is officially listed as the second meeting of the fifth term of the 16th Assembly. Advertisement The agenda includes tabling a supplementary budget and addressing other state matters. Rumours are swirling that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor may dissolve the assembly in the third week of July, following the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's birthday celebration on June 21. The current assembly's term is set to expire on November 11, 2025. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
High-profile cases now wrapped up in six months
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Azam said one of the main factors that enabled the shorter investigation period was the improvement of investigation modules and systems by reviewing outdated elements in the commission's procedures. - Bernama pic BANGI: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has shortened the investigation period for high-profile cases from one and a half years to just six months, thanks to the implementation of new approaches, including upskilling officers and utilising the latest technology. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said one of the main factors that enabled the shorter investigation period was the improvement of investigation modules and systems by reviewing outdated elements in the commission's procedures. Advertisement 'In the past, one high-profile case could take us about one and a half years to complete the investigation papers, but now we can complete them within six months. Secondly, we enhance our officers' skills and knowledge. 'About 10 years ago, we needed to dispatch many officers to conduct surveillance. But now, we just use technology to locate suspects and witnesses. So, in a very short period, we can locate the suspect or the person we want to find,' he said. Azam said this at a press conference after attending the 2025 MACC-NTU International Law Enforcement Programme Convocation here today. In addition, Azam said the MACC has also established strategic collaborations with external parties to strengthen its investigation capabilities, especially in technical aspects and financial forensics. He said international cooperation also plays a vital role, particularly in tracing and recovering assets located abroad. 'We also collaborate with many parties. For example, our collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants helps us with asset tracing and forensic accounting,' he said. On the need to increase staffing, Azam said that although there was a rise in the number of reports from 2020 to April 2025, totalling 34,819, mass recruitment of MACC officers is not the primary solution to strengthening anti-corruption efforts. 'I do not see that adding a large number of MACC officers is the solution to combat corruption in this country. The most important thing is our approach,' he said, adding that during the same period, 5,145 investigation papers were opened, leading to the arrest of 5,703 individuals. He said that out of these arrests, 2,479 individuals were prosecuted and 1,274 were subsequently convicted in court. The MACC also recorded significant financial enforcement outcomes, including the seizure of RM3.54 billion in assets and the forfeiture of an additional RM27.87 billion. At today's convocation, 250 people graduated from the programme, and they have now been appointed as new MACC officers. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Social media shapes voter views, says ex-New Sabah Times editor
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Social media has a powerful influence on how voters perceive political parties, candidates, and key issues, says former New Sabah Times chief editor Ch'ng Boon Heng. He noted that beyond traditional campaigning, parties now use social media to connect with voters more directly and effectively. Advertisement While traditional media still plays a role, Ch'ng said its slower dissemination makes it less impactful compared to the immediacy of social platforms. 'People rely heavily on social media for information today, but they must be cautious about spreading unverified content. Fake and misleading information is a real concern,' he warned. Commenting in conjunction with National Press Day, Ch'ng emphasised that social media is now a vital tool in shaping public opinion and daily communication. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia