Referring to the mining scandal that rocked the state, Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said even the likes of Warisan and Umno should have supported Hajiji’s quick action in diffusing the mining scandal by revoking prospecting licences issued to some 20 companies linked to businessman Albert Tei.

“Unfortunately, Hajiji’s decision to revoke the licence was disregarded by the opposition, who appeared intent on toppling the state government rather than safeguarding the rakyat’s interests.

“They (the opposition) were not sincere, failing to back the chief minister’s efforts to protect the state from those who wanted to seize control of Sabah’s resources via illegal means,” the PGRS information chief told FMT.

In a recent podcast, Tei admitted that Hajiji had revoked the mining licences as “too many” had been issued.

He also acknowledged that the licence he obtained was for exploration purposes only, and not for mineral extraction.

Nizam recounted that Hajiji had received threats before the release of videos, leaked by Tei, which implicated several assemblymen in the scandal.

He said a powerful “cartel”, which had the backing of a former senior civil servant, had threatened to topple Hajiji if he did not approve the licences.

“But Hajiji stood firm and cancelled the licences.”

Nizam said Hajiji’s response to the threats reflected a clear commitment to prioritise the people’s interests over his own political survival.

“It proves that Hajiji is not power hungry, and that he cares about the welfare of Sabahans,” he said.