Sabah Assistant Minister will not be directed to resign said Sabah Chief Minister

Datuk Japlin Akim

Source - The New Straits Times - NSTP Online

KOTA KINABALU, Thurs, 16 April 09:

Usukan assemblyman and state Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Japlin Akim, who was recently remanded for 3 days, by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency, MACC, for alleged corruption, would not be asked to resign from his posts.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said today action would not be taken against Japlin because he had not been charged in court and proven guilty of any offences.

"He was only being investigated. Anyone can be investigated," said Musa, who is also the state Umno and Barisan Nasional chief.

Japlin, who was recently suspended from Umno for 3 years by the party's disciplinary board for alleged money politics, was detained by the MACC for 3 days last week in connection with an investigation into allegation that he was involved in corruption.

He was a former state Umno youth chief and Kota Belud Umno division vice head before his suspension from the party.

Speaking to reporters after the opening of the State Assembly yesterday, Japlin, a two-term assemblyman, said he would continue to focus on his responsibilities.

"I will abide by any decision taken by the leadership. Even if I am without any position, I will continue to work for the party and the state," he said.

It is learnt the MACC had recorded statements from several Umno divisional youth chiefs in Sabah.