SANDAKAN: Opposition Assemblymen Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura) and Justin Wong (Sri Tanjong) has asked State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya, implicated in an alleged corruption, to resign.
The Warisan lawmakers said the Speaker should step down temporarily to uphold the integrity of the state legislative assembly.
The opposition lawmakers expressed serious concerns regarding recent revelations involving the Speaker, who is alleged to have received bribes amounting to RM350,000.
Such an issue not only undermines the credibility of the individual involved but also tarnishes the image and integrity of the Sabah legislative institution as a whole.
“As the Speaker, he holds the trust of the people to be a symbol of transparency, justice, and professionalism in ensuring that the assembly proceedings are conducted fairly and impartially, ” Calvin said
“While the investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is ongoing and we must respect the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ in the context of leadership that requires public confidence, I believe the Speaker should take responsible action by resigning immediately on a temporary basis,” he said in a statement today.
Calvin stressed the importance of maintaining public confidence in the democratic system and the principle of separation of powers.
“Not only the Speaker of the Assembly, but ALL assembly members currently under investigation or implicated in corruption allegations MUST temporarily resign from their positions.
“This is a necessary step to prevent any interference in the ongoing investigations and to ensure they do not have the opportunity to destroy or conceal crucial evidence,” he stated.
He clarified that this measure is not intended to impose premature punishment, but rather serves as a minimum integrity procedure within a transparent and accountable government.
“If they are truly innocent, they can return to their original positions once the investigation is concluded and their names are cleared.
“However, for now, they should step down and allow authorities to conduct their investigations without disruption or internal influence,” Calvin added.
As the representative of Elopura, Calvin believes that a leader with true integrity prioritizes the interests of the institution and the people over personal gain.
“If we genuinely want to restore the image of the Sabah state administration, we cannot afford to be indifferent to scandals involving the leadership of the council,” he stated.
He noted that the public today is increasingly aware and attentive to political developments. They seek leaders who are willing to take responsibility rather than hide behind their positions.
“A hands-off approach will only further tarnish the image of the Sabah state government and raise questions about whether the current representatives are truly working for the people or merely looking out for their own interests.”
“I would like to remind the Sabah state government to avoid adopting a “double standard” approach regarding integrity issues.
“It is crucial that citizens do not perceive any group as immune to legal action while ordinary people continue to face various injustices, he added.
He also called on assembly members allegedly involved in corruption scandals to resign honorably to uphold the dignity of the institution they represent.
“Do not allow the public to lose faith in the state administration. It is time for us to move forward with clean, transparent, and accountable leadership,” he said.
