Media Statement
By Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal
President
WARISAN
1. I categorically deny the malicious and baseless allegations that have been circulated by an online portal linking me to the supposed write-off of non-performing loans (NPLs) during my tenure as Chief Minister of Sabah and Chairman of the Board of Sabah Development Bank (SDB).
2. These accusations are outright lies that have been manufactured with intent to deceive the public and destroy my credibility.
3. There was not a single NPL that was written off under my watch and every financial decision was subjected to the bank’s internal processes and credit evaluation protocols.
4. As Chief Minister, I was not involved in day-to-day banking decisions or specific loan arrangements because public institutions must be governed by professional processes and not political interference. I respected those boundaries and I expected the bank’s management to uphold their fiduciary duty to the people of Sabah.
5. The obvious insinuation that I protected cronies or enabled special treatment for politically connected borrowers is also a blatant lie. At no point did I interfere in loan approvals or financial decisions at SDB.
6. Therefore, the claim that I “wrote off RM178 million in loans to CASH Bhd” is a calculated distortion.
7. In fact, during my administration I took every step necessary to recover problematic loans and not cover them up.
8. Writing off NPLs recklessly would have been irresponsible and a betrayal of public trust.
9. Those who once profited from politically connected loans and treated public banks as their personal ATMs are the ones who now benefit from twisting the truth.
10. These individuals were never interested in recovery or reform because their concern has always been about protecting their own pockets and avoiding public scrutiny.
11. If wrongdoing really occurred, why has the GRS government failed to act despite being in power for almost five years?
12. Why was there no forensic audit in 2021 and no report to the MACC back then?
13. Why suddenly raise this issue now when public trust in the government is collapsing?
14. It is clear that this is not about justice but all about politics. This is a deliberate political smear that has been precisely timed because the current government is struggling.
15. They are afraid of accountability and fear the coming election. In order to come up with a villain, they have conveniently chosen me.
16. Let the people of Sabah see that this is merely a desperate attempt by those trying to shift blame and distract attention from their own failures.
17. I have nothing to hide and welcome any impartial investigation. However, I will not remain silent while lies are repeated and recycled for political convenience.
18. I will not hesitate to initiate legal action to defend my name and integrity against those who continue to publish and propagate these lies.
19. The people of Sabah are tired of watching another “wayang kulit”. They just want the truth and an honest leadership that puts the people first
