Lau Zhe Wei of International Islamic University Malaysia said that unlike corruption scandals which normally take centre stage at the national level, politics in Sabah is more focused on issues of autonomy, development, and the people’s well-being.

“The main issue for Sabah and Sarawak is who is running the state,” he said.

“Is it a local-based party or a national one, and will this lead to greater autonomy and development?”

Speaking to FMT, he said the alleged mining scandal would be turned into a major issue in the peninsula, but would hold no particular significance in Sabah.

Sources previously told FMT that the leak of videos tying several Sabah assemblymen to the alleged scandal was part of an Umno-led plot against the state’s ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

Sabah Umno subsequently denied being the mastermind but said that Hajiji Noor should step down as chief minister.

It also challenged him to sue the person responsible for the leak.

Sabah Umno’s demand sparked a reaction from Hajiji’s party, Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, as well as Jeffrey Kitingan’s Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.

Sabah PKR meanwhile appeared to throw its support behind Hajiji, saying yesterday that the state government should be allowed to function as usual pending an investigation into the allegations pertaining to the scandal.

Romzi Ationg of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said Hajiji’s position as chief minister and that of his Cabinet would remain secure unless someone from his administration was convicted.

“Hajiji remains safe as long as he manages the situation well,” he added.