KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Kapayan Division Chief Bernard Logijin has dismissed the ongoing mining scandal allegations as an attempted smear campaign that will not sway Sabah voters, especially in the Kapayan constituency.
Logijin said that Sabahans are wise enough to see through what he described as politically timed attacks aimed at party leaders, including STAR President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who has been accused of receiving RM1.78 million linked to a controversial mining deal.
“Sabah leaders can be attacked, but not the people. Whoever is behind all this can try all they can to destroy the personality of our Sabah leaders.”
“By the way, we are used to this kind of show. It so happens, this is an election year. So, things like this are expected,” Bernard said in a statement.
He emphasized that such tactics will not work on the people of Sabah, asserting that the state’s voters remain loyal to local parties that champion Sabah’s rights and future.
“But whoever is behind all this fail to understand is that Sabahans will always vote for Sabah. No fabricated scandal can change their mind. So, good luck to them,” he added.
His remarks came after Dr Jeffrey publicly denied the allegations published by news portal Malaysiakini, which claimed he was a recipient of funds tied to a mining license scandal. Dr Jeffrey dismissed the accusations as recycled political strategies, saying such tactics have been in play since the 1960s.
Bernard echoed this sentiment, arguing that the narrative is no longer effective with Sabahans.
“This old tactic is becoming more of a joke than being taken seriously,” he said. “Sabahans are more determined than ever to vote for Sabah parties, just like how Sarawak has strengthened itself politically within the federation.”
He stressed that the people are not just casting their ballots for individuals, but for the future of Sabah.
“People are not just voting the leaders who will contest in the election. They will vote for themselves and their future generations. They will vote for their beloved State. Whoever is against this are betraying our fellow Sabahans and Sabah.”
As election season heats up, political observers anticipate that more such allegations may surface. However, Bernard believes the resilience and unity of Sabah voters will prevail.
