PAPAR, Sabah, 28 March 2025 – The Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, today categorically denied allegations of his involvement in a corruption scandal related to minerals in Sabah, while challenging those spreading the claims to come forward with concrete evidence in court.
In his official statement, Armizan referred to two media statements issued by Jeffery Nor Mohamed from UMNO Sabah on 26 March 2025 and Calvin Chong, an assemblyman who defected to Parti Warisan, on 27 March 2025. He alleged that both individuals, along with former Papar MP from Warisan, Ahmad Hassan, have acted as ‘voices’ amplifying the contents of an unsourced ‘flyer message’ circulating on social media, claiming his involvement in corruption.
“I request Jeffery, Calvin, and Ahmad to assist me in identifying the source of these allegations. Please bring forward the ‘investigative journalist (X7)’ and ‘Datuk Z’ mentioned in the message to present their evidence, if they truly exist,” asserted the Papar MP. He further challenged the trio to publicly state that he is involved in corruption if they fail to trace the source. “Say it clearly, without beating around the bush,” he said.
Armizan revealed that he has instructed his lawyers to formally write to the three individuals to seek their cooperation and clarification, including whether their actions imply agreement with the ‘flyer message’ that he is embroiled in a corruption scandal. “As leaders, they must be accountable for every statement they make and not rely on slander to shape political perceptions,” he remarked.
Strong Denial and Legal Action
Emphasizing that the accusations are slanderous, Armizan stated his readiness to confront those responsible in court. “Don’t throw stones and hide your hands. Step forward boldly, take responsibility, and we’ll meet in court. I will initiate a defamation lawsuit if the source is found, and they will need to produce evidence to substantiate their claims,” he said.
He also questioned the use of an official meeting on 16 May 2023 at PT Bayan Resources’ headquarters in Jakarta as fodder for slander. According to him, the meeting involved the management of Sabah Mineral Management Sdn. Bhd. (SMM), a subsidiary of the Sabah State Government, and PT Bayan, a publicly listed company and one of Indonesia’s largest taxpayers. “This was a mission to explore genuine investment proposals, not a clandestine meeting as alleged. The circulated photos clearly show the presence of management teams from both sides,” he explained, adding that his involvement at the time was solely as a member of SMM’s Board of Directors.
Integrity and Sabah’s Development
Armizan underscored his commitment to the trust placed in him and urged all parties to uphold the same principles. “Sabah cannot be developed through slander, but through brilliant ideas and strong commitment. We cannot be led by those bankrupt of ideas, relying solely on sentiments and perceptions rooted in slander,” he said.
Concluding his statement, he extended Ramadan greetings, describing the month as one filled with mercy and forgiveness, while expressing hope that the truth would prevail.
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