(Decorative Picture)
Daniel John Jambun, Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) welcomes the timely reminder by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the newly appointed MACC Chief Commissioner that corruption must be fought firmly, continuously, and without fear or favour.
We believe this royal reminder reflects the growing public expectation that anti-corruption enforcement must be impartial, courageous, and applied equally to all.
The true test of this commitment will not be found in speeches.
It will be found in action.
1. THE SMM SCANDAL HAS BECOME A TEST OF INSTITUTIONAL CREDIBILITY
The Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) controversy has generated significant public concern throughout Sabah.
The issue is no longer merely about allegations.
It is now about public confidence.
Sabahans are asking simple questions:
Were any laws broken?
Were public resources improperly exploited?
Were positions of power abused?
Were proper procedures followed?
Will all relevant parties be investigated thoroughly?
These questions deserve answers.
Silence, delay, or selective enforcement will only deepen public distrust.
2. THE KING’S MESSAGE APPLIES TO EVERYONE
His Majesty did not qualify his message.
The instruction was clear:
Corruption must be fought without fear or favour.
That principle means:
no politician should be protected;
no businessman should be untouchable;
no government official should be immune;
no politically connected individual should receive special treatment.
The law must apply equally to all.
Anything less would undermine public confidence in the integrity of anti-corruption institutions.
3. SABAHANS HAVE SEEN TOO MANY SCANDALS FADE AWAY
For decades, Sabah has witnessed numerous controversies involving:
natural resources,
public contracts,
land administration,
concessions,
and governance issues.
Too often, public attention fades before accountability arrives.
Too often, investigations appear to move slowly when powerful interests are involved.
The result is predictable:
Public trust suffers.
The new MACC leadership now has an opportunity to demonstrate that things will be different.
4. ACCOUNTABILITY IS THE BEST WAY TO RESTORE TRUST
Public confidence cannot be restored through public relations campaigns.
It cannot be restored through slogans.
It cannot be restored through selective prosecution.
Trust can only be restored when investigations are:
independent,
transparent,
professional,
evidence-based,
and free from political influence.
Sabahans are not demanding convictions.
Sabahans are demanding credible investigations.
The public understands that guilt must be determined through due process and evidence.
But the public also expects that no credible allegation should be ignored.
5. THE NEW MACC CHIEF HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEND A STRONG MESSAGE
The appointment of a new MACC Chief Commissioner presents an opportunity to demonstrate a renewed commitment to integrity and accountability.
The SMM scandal provides an immediate opportunity to show Malaysians that anti-corruption enforcement remains guided by evidence rather than influence.
The most effective way to honour His Majesty’s royal reminder is simple:
Investigate thoroughly.
Follow the evidence.
Apply the law equally.
And let the facts speak for themselves.
BoPiMaFo therefore calls upon MACC to ensure that all matters relating to the SMM controversy are investigated professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour.
Sabahans deserve answers.
Malaysia deserves accountability.
And the King’s call deserves action.
“Without Fear. Without Favour. Without Exception.”
