Warisan urges clarification of GLC's alleged misconduct

KOTA KINABALU: The Merotai Assemblyman, Sarifuddin Hata has called on the Chief Minister to urgently clarify reports that a senior officer in a state-linked company, who was allegedly found guilty of misconduct in a Domestic Inquiry (DI), may be promoted to a top executive position in another Government-Linked Company (GLC).

Raising the matter during the debate on the Sabah 2026 Budget, Sarifuddin said information received indicated that a Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of Sawit Kinabalu, who was allegedly found guilty through an internal disciplinary process, is being considered for appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Benta Wawasan.

According to the issue raised, the Domestic Inquiry reportedly confirmed misconduct involving three projects:

1. A Vitamin E Extraction Plant at the Kunak Refinery, allegedly involving the receipt of RM1.4 million;

2. A Barramundi Project in Langkon, Kota Marudu; and

3. A Bitcoin Mining Project at the Langkon Palm Oil Mill, Kota Marudu.

The Merotai Assemblyman stressed that if such an appointment were to proceed, it would send a damaging signal to the public and risk normalising misconduct and corruption within GLCs and the wider public sector.

He said the issue was particularly troubling given the State Government’s stated commitment to integrity and good governance, as outlined by the Minister of Finance during the budget presentation and reinforced by the Chief Minister’s directive for quarterly performance reporting by GLC leadership.

While welcoming the increase in allocation for the Integrity Unit from RM764,000 in 2025 to RM1.944 million in 2026 the Merotai ADUN emphasised that integrity must be reflected in leadership decisions, not merely in policies or budgets.

He added that any CEO, deputy CEO or senior officer found guilty of misconduct should face firm disciplinary action, including dismissal where warranted, and should not be transferred or promoted.

Sarifuddin also urged the State Government to place institutional integrity above political considerations and called on the Chief Minister to halt any such appointment if the reports are accurate and to ensure that all actions taken are consistent with the law and the principles of accountability.