KOTA KINABALU: 27 February 2026 - Chin Tek Ming Calls for Immediate Royal Commission of Inquiry Following Peaceful Assembly at MACC Headquarters
Kapayan State Assemblyman and lawyer Chin Tek Ming today called on the Federal Government to immediately establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) in response to the growing public concern surrounding investigations involving the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Chin was commenting on the peaceful assembly initiated by whistleblower Dato’ Albert Tei outside the MACC headquarters earlier today.
“Despite being held during the month of Ramadan, the turnout was more than encouraging. Malaysians from different races and religions stood together in solidarity. This demonstrates that the issue at hand transcends politics, ethnicity, and faith — it concerns the integrity of our national institutions,” Chin said.
He noted that civil society groups, including representatives associated with advocacy efforts in the Teoh Beng Hock case, were also present, underscoring the broader public demand for accountability and institutional reform.
Chin stressed that the present situation requires a solution that is impartial, transparent, and constitutionally sound.
“The Federal Government must listen to the public outcry. The only credible path forward is the immediate establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry chaired by a well-recognised and respected figure of unimpeachable integrity, such as Tun Tengku Maimun,” he said, referring to the former Chief Justice of Malaysia.
According to Chin, the recently announced three-member committee led by the current Attorney General lacks the structural independence necessary to inspire public confidence.
“A committee formed within the existing executive framework, particularly one led by the Attorney General, does not adequately address concerns of transparency and independence. Public trust cannot be restored through internal review mechanisms alone,” he added.
Chin further contextualised the issue within Sabah’s constitutional position under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Let us be very clear. Sabah did not join Malaysia to become a victim of selective enforcement or elite corruption. Under MA63, Sabah entered the Federation as an equal partner — with rights, safeguards, and autonomy intended to protect our people and our resources.”
He warned that corruption involving land, natural resources, or development allocations does not merely constitute a criminal offence but undermines the constitutional balance envisaged under MA63.
“If funds meant for Sabah’s development are lost through abuse of office, that is not just corruption. It is a breach of trust against the constitutional foundation of this nation.”
Chin emphasised that corruption linked to Sabah’s rights and resources carries constitutional implications.
“When corruption touches on matters related to MA63, it becomes more than a criminal issue. It becomes a sovereignty issue.”
He stated that individuals who expose corruption tied to Sabah’s constitutional rights must be afforded protection, provided such protection is structured, lawful, and transparent.
“If a bribe giver steps forward to expose systemic corruption affecting Sabah’s interests, the state must consider strategic and responsible protection mechanisms. However, such protection cannot be unconditional. It must be subject to clear legal safeguards and accountability.”
Chin cautioned that Sabah cannot credibly demand greater autonomy from Putrajaya while tolerating abuse within its own institutions.
“If we invoke MA63, we must uphold its principles — accountability, transparency, equal partnership, and the protection of Sabah’s interests.”
He concluded by stressing that public office carries heightened constitutional responsibility.
“Higher office must mean higher responsibility — particularly when decisions affect Sabah’s constitutional rights and the integrity of our institutions. Restoring public confidence requires more than statements. It requires independent scrutiny, institutional courage, and a commitment to the rule of law.”
Chin reiterated his call for the immediate establishment of an RCI as the most appropriate and credible mechanism to address the present crisis and safeguard public trust.
