Kitingan had provided his statement at the Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office in Kota Kinabalu to facilitate the probe, according to Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) information chief Anuar Ghani.

Kitingan is the STAR president.

“Kitingan did not, in any form or shape, state any knowledge or acceptance of the alleged funds mentioned in the ‘leaked’ video,” Anuar, was quoted by The Star, as saying.

He also said the Tambunan assemblyman is expected to lodge a police report over the matter.

Anuar went on to say that the party believes the video was part of a conspiracy to discredit Kitingan.

He said the video could have been tampered and manipulated using artificial intelligence.

“This demonstrates the fear held by the opposition and other concerned parties regarding Kitingan’s political stance and Sabah’s fluid political landscape.

“So much so that they are willing to stoop to any level to implicate and associate him with any alleged wrongdoing – all of which is strongly denied.”

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that businessman Albert Tei had released a video recording of his conversation with Kitingan. Tei claimed that Kitingan received the largest payout in the alleged mining scandal.

Earlier today, Kitingan denied receiving bribes in connection with mineral exploration licences in the state.

He told the portal that he “could not really recall’ the conversation with Tei but said it appeared to be about political donations.