Corruption scandal roils Sabah ahead of 2025 state polls

lf key political ally loses, it could foster instability in PM Anwar's federal govt

- Azril Annuar

Malaysia's Sabah state has been roiled by allegations of corruption involving eight lawmakers, including its Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, casting doubt on the ruling party's chances in state polls that must be held before the end of 2025.

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, led by Datuk Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's federal government. GRS rules the petroleum- and timber-rich state with Datuk Seri Anwar's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and his Barisan Nasional (BN) ally.

Over several days from Nov 9, news site Malaysiakini published reports and videos showing several Sabah assemblymen allegedly discussing bribes in the range of hundreds of thousands of ringgit with a whistle-blower - who remains anonymous - in exchange for their support for a mining project.

In one of the videos, former Sabah Mineral Management chief executive Iontih Enggihon accuses the Chief Minister of abusing his powers.

Five lawmakers, three of whom are from GRS, have been summoned for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission so far.

The Anwar administration needs to urgently disavow the endemic corruption perceived within its ranks without alienating his allies in the state, analysts say.