Latest news with #NatashaSim
Free Malaysia Today
21-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
SMM blasts ‘politically motivated' allegations surrounding viral photo, threatens legal action
Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd has refuted any wrongdoing arising from a photograph that has gone viral recently, saying it was taken during a working visit to Indonesia in August 2024. PETALING JAYA : Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has threatened legal action against media outlets and others over the continued publication of 'false, misleading, and defamatory' allegations stemming from a now-viral photograph of its officials. In a statement addressing the photo which features current CEO Natasha Sim alongside several officials, the state-owned agency said: 'SMM unequivocally denies that any wrongdoing occurred.' It described the controversy as 'politically motivated' and part of a 'broader campaign to damage the company and its officers'. 'Should these baseless accusations continue to circulate, we will not hesitate to initiate legal action, including against media outlets for defamation and malicious falsehood,' the statement read. SMM noted that the allegations relate to an ongoing lawsuit involving Sim's predecessor, Jontih Enggihon, and businessman Albert Tei. The suit includes claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tampering with official documents, and conspiracy to injure. 'The current wave of public allegations appears to recycle issues already under judicial scrutiny,' it said. It clarified that the photograph was taken during a working visit in August 2024 as part of foreign direct investment discussions with a mining conglomerate in Indonesia. The visit followed board approval in February 2024 and was led by Sim, then serving as chief strategy officer. It added that the first trip to the conglomerate's base had occurred in March 2023, and was initiated by Jontih as part of a due diligence exercise. The partnership was formally recommended to the board by Jontih in December 2023. On July 18, Malaysiakini reported that the now viral photograph had 'triggered a fresh political storm'. Apart from Sim, the photograph featured SMM secretary Emily Chong and Sabah timber tycoon Elbert Lim next to a private jet. The portal quoted Warisan assemblyman Justin Wong as claiming the photo had sparked a new scandal engulfing SMM.
Daily Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
SMM dismisses viral jet photo claims, cites cleared inquiry
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has dismissed allegations arising from a viral photo showing its CEO and company secretary near a private jet, confirming it was taken during a sanctioned work trip tied to foreign investment discussions. The company clarified that the photo, taken in August 2024, was from a follow-up visit to an Indonesian mining conglomerate after the Board-approved due diligence process initiated by its former CEO in early 2023. Advertisement SMM stated that both CEO Natasha Sim and company secretary Emily Chong had already cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission last December, with an internal inquiry in February 2025 finding no misconduct or personal benefit involved. It emphasised that the CEO holds no licensing authority, and strongly refuted any claims of wrongdoing, calling the allegations misleading and defamatory. SMM believes the renewed attention may be linked to the ongoing legal action it has filed against two individuals, and warned it will take legal steps against those who continue to spread baseless claims. * 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
Malaysiakini
19-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Did SMM board, Hajiji greenlight 'private jet' trip, Sabah Umno leader asks
Sabah Umno raised concerns over Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) CEO Natasha Sim's alleged RM400,000 luxury trip on a private jet, asking if it was approved by the board of directors or Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor. Sabah Umno strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman urged the government-linked company (GLC) to clarify the alleged trip's purpose - whether it was an official working visit, an investment negotiation, or for backroom negotiations.
Malaysiakini
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
GLC CEO's alleged private jet trip: Sabah Bersatu Youth urges probe
Sabah Bersatu Youth called for the MACC to probe a viral photo allegedly depicting the CEO of a state-owned firm with a private jet said to be owned by an Indonesian coal magnate. In a strongly worded statement, Sabah Bersatu Youth chief Hisyam Hazaril expressed deep concern over what he described as 'serious red flags' stemming from the actions of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd CEO Natasha Sim. He believed such actions may...
Malaysiakini
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Sabah Bersatu Youth urges MACC to probe GLC CEO's alleged private jet trip
Sabah Bersatu Youth called for the MACC to probe a viral photo allegedly depicting the CEO of a state-owned firm with a private jet said to be owned by an Indonesian coal magnate. In a strongly worded statement, Sabah Bersatu Youth chief Hisyam Hazaril expressed deep concern over what he described as 'serious red flags' stemming from the actions of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd CEO Natasha Sim. He believed such actions may...
