KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government will not interfere in any investigation or legal proceedings related to the mining prospecting court case involving two of its elected representatives.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the matter would be left entirely to the legal process.

“We respect the law and will allow the legal process to take its course.

“The GRS-led government will not interfere in any investigation or legal action involving its leaders,” he said in a statement on Monday (June 30).

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He was commenting on the corruption charges brought against Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, who appeared before Special Corruption Court Judge Jason Juga earlier in the day.

On their current positions within the state administration, Hajiji said the government would assess the situation once all relevant reports and information have been received.

He stressed that the GRS administration remains committed to upholding integrity and accountability in the governance of the state.

Andi Muhammad Suryady, who is the state Assistant Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, and Dr Yusof, who chairs Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, are accused of receiving money from businessman Datuk Tei Jeinn Cheing.

The payments were allegedly made as inducements to help secure mineral exploration licences for two companies linked to Tei’s associates.

Tei was also charged in the same court with offering bribes.

All three claimed trial to the charges.