Parti Warisan (Warisan) vice-president Datuk Junz Wong has demanded the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor explain the context behind a video seemingly implicating the latter in an allegedly ‘shady’ business deal.

In a Facebook post, Wong was referring to a video published by Malaysiakini featuring Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang in which Rubin allegedly said that Hajiji had granted him “one” instead of “two” but is grateful nonetheless.

Rubin does not specify what he was talking about but the subtitles in the video claimed the conversation was pertaining to licences.

The video one in a series of videos provided to the online portal by a businessman who has claimed that many of the state’s leaders were involved in bribery and abuse of power.

“As Chief Minister of the state you are duty-bound to explain to the people (the context behind the video),” he said.

“When you say that GRS should fight the slander, I agree with you. So why don’t you present the issue to everyone? You have nothing to hide.”

On November 17, Hajiji called on Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties to step up efforts to combat lies, which he claimed are aimed at toppling the state government. The statement came following Malaysiakini’s release of the series of videos.

Wong, however, said there has so far not been any clear denial from GRS leaders seemingly implicated in the series of videos.

“When you say this is slander, was Rubin slandering you? He did not deny that it was him in the video yet he pointed to you. That slander did not come from anyone else, it came from your very own colleague.”

Following the release of Rubin’s video, the GRS vice-president said the video had showed no elements of corruption.

Wong said it was the same case in videos featuring both Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari and Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya.

Arshad is allegedly heard in a video complaining about projects being “blocked” by someone believed to be Hajiji while in the video featuring Shahelmey, the minister appears to claim that Hajiji is aware of the extent of alleged kickbacks to elected representatives.

Arshad later said he was only speaking sarcastically while Shahelmey has so far refused to comment.

“All these ‘slandering’ statements did not come from anyone else but came from your very own ministers in the Cabinet and elected representatives from your coalition. So explain about this issue,” Wong said.

“You want to fight this slandering? I agree with you. Fight it in the DUN (state legislative assembly). Be transparent.”

On November 12, Malaysiakini released a video in which former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon accused Hajiji of abusing his powers. He claimed Hajiji was looking out for the interests of one contractor.

Earlier on that same day, Hajiji had denied any involvement in the corruption scandal. However, on November 17, Enggihon claimed he had evidence to support his claims.

The businessman who released these videos has sought whistleblower protection. However, granting the request has become complicated as the businessman has admitted to paying bribes.