GRS government will not interfere in court case involving two reps.
KOTA KINABALU : – Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said no immediate action will be taken against two Sabah assemblymen facing corruption charges, pending further information and legal proceedings.
Hajiji said the GRS-led State Government would not interfere with the ongoing legal process involving Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandi.
“We respect the law, and we will let the legal process take its course. The GRS State Government will not interfere in any investigation and legal action on any of its government leaders,” he said in a brief statement from Kota Kinabalu on Monday.
The Chief Minister added that the government will consider the duo’s positions in the administration “in due course” after receiving all relevant information and reports.
Dr Yusof, who chairs Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, and Andi, who serves as Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, were charged in the Sessions Court today with accepting RM350,000 in bribes.
The charges allege that the money was given by businessman Datuk Tei Jeinn Cheing to influence the approval of a prospecting licence for two companies linked to Tei’s business partners.
Tei, also known as Albert Tei, faces two charges of giving bribes to the two politicians and pleaded not guilty alongside them.
Hajiji reiterated that the state government remained committed to maintaining integrity and transparency in its administration.
MEANWHILE, Dr Yusof and Mohammad said they are placing their trust in the judicial process, expressing confidence that the courts will vindicate them.
“I want to stress that we are not guilty in this corruption case,” said Yusof, who is also chairman of state investment arm Qhazanah Sabah.
The Sindumin assemblyman added that while they may have been “humiliated in the media,” the trial would be their chance to set the record straight.
“Both Andi and I hold on to the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty. We are confident that through this process, we will clear our names,” he told reporters after posting bail outside the Kota Kinabalu court complex.
Andi, who is also an assistant and Tanjung Batu assemblyman, echoed the sentiment, saying the legal process should not interfere with their roles as elected representatives.
“I will comply fully with all court procedures, which uphold the sovereignty of the rule of law in our country,” he said.
“Dr Yusof and I will prove our innocence, clear our names, and God willing, everything will go smoothly.”
The 43-year-old said he remains committed to his constituency and will continue carrying out his duties while the case proceeds.
The two were charged separately under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 — a provision that criminalises soliciting or receiving gratification as an inducement or reward. Convictions can lead to up to 20 years in prison and a fine of no less than five times the amount received.
Andi allegedly received RM150,000 to facilitate a prospecting licence for Syarikat Sinaran Hayat Sdn Bhd, while Yusof is accused of accepting RM200,000 from Tei, also known as Albert Tei, in relation to a similar application.
Tei, who hails from Selangor, was also charged with two counts of giving bribes to the politicians. All three accused claimed trial.
Their case has been fixed for case management on August 5.
