KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied any interference or cover-up in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) ongoing investigation into a bribery scandal involving Sabah state assemblymen.
Responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, he said that the MACC's efforts would continue, including investigations in Sabah.
"I have been informed by the MACC that these investigations are ongoing.
"That is all I can disclose and it is untrue to suggest that there have been efforts to obstruct or suppress them," he added.
Anwar also assured that no individuals, regardless of their prominence, would be exempt from scrutiny.
Yesterday, the MACC confirmed that Jontih Enggihon, the former CEO of Sabah Mineral Management (SMM), had been called in for questioning.
Several Sabah assemblymen, including Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk), and Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), are also believed to have been summoned as part of the investigation.
Yusof, Rubin, and Arsad have denied receiving bribes in connection with alleged project negotiations related to mineral mining.
However, Shahelmey, the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, declined to comment when approached after the tabling of the 2025 Sabah Budget in the state legislative assembly yesterday.
The Sabah works minister was reportedly "interviewed" by an individual who recorded the video.
Shahelmey has promised to issue a statement on the matter but has yet to do so.
A news portal previously reported that at least eight video clips featuring conversations with Sabah assemblymen from a whistleblower would be released.
The scandal also allegedly implicates Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. A previous video from former CEO of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, Jontih Enggihon, accused Hajiji of abuse of power.