NGO urges Malaysian anti-graft body to reinvestigate RM1.5 billion Sabah fund scandal

A Malaysian non-governmental organization, Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57), is calling on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) to reopen an investigation into allegations of RM1.5 billion in misappropriated funds meant for Sabah's rural development. G57 submitted a formal memorandum to the SPRM, urging them to re-examine the case.

Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar, chairman of G57, stated that the memorandum specifically requests a review of several rural development projects in Sabah, including the Pulau Gaya water supply project, which he says continues to raise questions among the public. "The matters raised involve a large amount of the people's money. When the people's money is in question, the people have the right to demand answers," Zulkarnain said.

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The matters raised involve a large amount of the people's money. When the people's money is in question, the people have the right to demand answers

Zulkarnain noted that he is not new to raising these concerns, having previously filed reports with the SPRM in 2016 and 2017 regarding the alleged misuse of development funds. He recalled that the SPRM had investigated rural development projects in Sabah, including water, electricity, and road supply, during the tenure of former Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal from 2009 to 2015. Media reports at the time indicated that the investigations focused on alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion out of a total project value of approximately RM7.5 billion. Mohd. Shafie himself was remanded by the SPRM in October 2017 to assist in the investigation.

However, G57 questions why the case was not pursued further after the change of government in 2018, despite what they describe as a comprehensive investigation. "This raises questions among the people of Sabah about the basis and considerations that led to that decision. Have all the facts, statements, and information gathered during the investigation been fully evaluated and considered?" Zulkarnain asked. The NGO also urged SPRM to scrutinize the Pulau Gaya water supply project, costing around RM100 million, citing ongoing complaints about clean water supply issues despite the significant investment.

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This raises questions among the people of Sabah about the basis and considerations that led to that decision. Have all the facts, statements, and information gathered during the investigation been fully evaluated and considered?