Kitingan denies RM1.78m mining scandal link, says claim 'unfounded'
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Jeffrey Kitingan has denied allegations that he received RM1.78 million in connection with the mining licence corruption scandal.
In a statement today, Star information chief Anuar Ghani Gilong said Kitingan described the accusations as completely unfounded and represents a politically motivated attack designed to destabilise, demonise and demolish the Sabah government.
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Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Jeffrey Kitingan denies involvement in Sabah mining scandal, vows legal action over RM1.78m payout claim
KOTA KINABALU, June 30 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has denied claims that he received RM1.78 million linked to a mining scandal in Sabah. He said the allegation, published by a news portal, was baseless and politically motivated by his critics in an attempt to destabilise, smear and topple the current Sabah government, Berita Harian reported today. 'I have never received any funds related to mining applications or any alleged scandal,' he was quoted as saying. He described the allegation as a fabrication by desperate political players trying to interfere with Sabah politics. 'This is a tactic that has been used since the 1960s,' he said. Kitingan, who is also Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president, said his party has never applied for any mining licence nor was it involved in any mining activities. He described himself as a supporter of the Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA), adding that mining goes against STAR's conservation stance. Kitingan said he and party members are fully cooperating with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and have submitted detailed statements to aid its investigations. 'This is the price we pay in our struggle to reclaim Sabah's rights,' he was quoted as saying. Kitingan also claimed that earlier statements by whistleblowers had cleared STAR and Parti Bersatu Sabah of wrongdoing. As such, he said he will take all available legal action over what he described as malicious and false accusations. This includes legal action against the news portal that published the report. 'We expect more false allegations and slander. 'It would not be surprising if certain parties try to exploit this to shift Sabah's political landscape,' he was quoted as saying.
Daily Express
5 hours ago
- Daily Express
Jeffrey denies RM1.78 million bribe
Published on: Monday, June 30, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 30, 2025 Text Size: 'I reserve the right to pursue all legal avenues, including legal action against Malaysiakini for its irresponsible and damaging report,' Jeffrey said. Kota Kinabalu: Star President and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, has strongly denied allegations published by Malaysiakini accusing him of receiving RM1.78 million linked to a mining scandal. 'These allegations are completely baseless. They are politically motivated attacks meant to destabilise, discredit, and ultimately destroy the existing Sabah government,' he said, adding that he is talking to his lawyers. He stressed that he never had anything to do with any such scandal. 'I have never, at any time, received any funds related to mining applications or any so-called mining scandal. 'This is a deliberate fabrication, orchestrated by desperate politicians trying to exert undue influence over Sabah's political scene. This is a tactic that has been used since the 1960s,' he said. Sabah Tanah Air Ku, he said, has no involvement in any mining activity nor has the party applied for any mining licence. 'As a supporter of the Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA), mining is fundamentally incompatible with our conservation principles,' he stressed. Dr Jeffrey also said he and his party colleagues have fully cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). 'We have given full cooperation to the MACC and provided detailed statements,' he said. He condemned the attempt by certain media to try the case in the court of public opinion. 'This is the price we pay for fighting for Sabah's rights. Earlier statements from the whistle blower cleared Star and PBS of any wrongdoing or receipt of corrupt funds,' he said. 'Because of the seriousness of the false and malicious accusations I am exploring legal options. 'I reserve the right to pursue all legal avenues, including legal action against Malaysiakini for its irresponsible and damaging report,' he said. He warned of more false allegations as elections near. 'We can expect more lies and slander from Malaysiakini and other political manipulators as the election approaches. 'It's no surprise that certain groups and parties are celebrating, hoping that fake news will reshape Sabah's political landscape,' he added. * 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
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Jeffrey denies report claiming he received RM1.78mil in mining corruption scandal
KOTA KINABALU: STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has denied allegations published by a news portal claiming he received RM1.78 million in connection with a mining licence corruption scandal. In a statement issued by the party's information chief, Mohd Anuar Ghani Gilong, Jeffrey, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, stressed that he has never received any funds related to mining applications or the alleged scandal. "The accusations are a deliberate fabrication orchestrated by desperate political actors seeking to exert undue influence on Sabah politics, a tactic that has been employed since the 1960s," the statement read. Jeffrey also said the party denied any involvement in mining activities, clarifying that it had never applied for any mining licences. "As proponents of the Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA), the party maintains that mining is inherently incompatible with its conservation principles." He added that he and other party members had fully cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), including by providing detailed statements. "This is the price one pays for fighting for Sabah's rights," he said. Jeffrey further stated that previous statements made by the whistleblower had cleared both STAR and Parti Bersatu Sabah of any wrongdoing or receipt of illicit funds. Given the severity of the false and malicious allegations, Jeffrey said he reserves the right to pursue all available legal avenues, including legal action against the news portal responsible for what he described as irresponsible and damaging reporting. "It is anticipated that many more libellous and false accusations will surface leading up to the election.
