MCCC Sabah chapter president Michael Chin said a stable political environment and clear policy direction were needed for the state to prosper.
“Any attempt to create division or interfere in the government’s efforts will negatively impact investor confidence and hinder economic growth,” he said in a statement.
Chin said the unity built within the state should not be undermined by irresponsible parties.
“Backdoor politics or improper political manoeuvres will disrupt harmony and scare away potential investors.
“We urge all stakeholders to approach current issues rationally and respect the facts and the legal process. Refrain from spreading rumours or malicious content that could disrupt social order and hinder overall development,” he said.
He also reiterated the chamber’s commitment to working alongside the state government to promote economic diversification, foster social harmony and strengthen Sabah as a key regional economic powerhouse.
Yesterday, FMT reported that a businessman believed to be linked to the alleged Sabah mining scandal had attempted to blackmail the chief minister, Hajiji Noor, to compel his approval of prospecting licences for mining.
According to a source close to the matter, the businessman – whose identity is being withheld – had issued several threats if the licences were not approved and issued by the state government.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the businessman had threatened to issue a press release to “bring the entire government down” if the board did not approve the licences for his firms.
Despite the threats, Hajiji stood his ground and did not budge even when the businessman offered him money, the source said.
The source also said that less than two months later, a video allegedly linking several assemblymen to the mining scandal surfaced.
On Wednesday, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Youth said videos linked to the controversy clearly showed that Hajiji had decided to revoke a prospecting licence due to the existence of a cartel.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating allegations of corruption involving a businessman and several Sabah assemblymen linked to the alleged scandal.