KOTA KINABALU: The alleged bribery scandal involving several Sabah assemblymen is no reason for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government to call for early elections.
"We still have until October next year (to call for a state election). Why should we prepare for such things (because of the recordings)?," said GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
"(These recordings are) intended to destabilise the current government because they are worried that the government is doing well," he told a press conference.
However, he did not specify who 'they' referred to.
Joniston, who also serves as the state Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, said the government is performing well, with revenue exceeding RM7 billion.
The state government has also doubled allocations for elected representatives up to RM3 million and plans to build 40 people's housing units next year, he said.
Joniston said the state government should not be distracted by the allegations of bribery.
"It raises questions. If you believe there are wrongdoings, why go to the media? Why not go directly to the MACC?
"GRS chairman and Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor) has said the authorities should investigate and that the state government will give full cooperation," he added.
Earlier today, GRS' Kemabong assemblyman, Datuk Rubin Balang denied claims of wrongdoing following the release of a video of him purportedly discussing a mining project with another person.
He said he did not think there was any element of corruption in the meeting captured in the video but said he would cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission if necessary.
Previously, Malaysiakini released a video from a whistleblower allegedly showing Rubin in negotiations over a mining project.