'We are not fools': Warisan demands probe into scrap metal scandal
Published: Oct 12, 2025 10:05 AM
Updated: 1:05 PM
Warisan has urged the MACC to investigate the alleged scrap metal scandal involving Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
“Abuse of power and attempts to monopolise state resources must never be tolerated, especially from those in the highest offices. Sabahans deserve leaders who serve the people, not exploit their positions for power and profit,” said Warisan supreme council member Sarifuddin Hata.
The Merotai assemblyperson said if allegations that Gunsalam had tried to monopolise the scrap metal trade were true, it would amount to a blatant abuse of power.
“It is common sense, not rocket science, that monopolies are poison to any economy. Even international law bans them. Any industrial minister worth his title should understand that monopolistic practices destroy competition, exploit the poor, and suffocate economic growth.
“The very idea that Gunsalam would even entertain such a proposal ‘in principle’ raises serious questions about his judgment and integrity.
“On what basis does he give his approval? On what principle? Any studies or data conducted to justify such a move? Was there any transparent consultation with stakeholders? Or was this yet another backdoor arrangement dressed up as a policy ‘for the B40’?” he asked.
Sarifuddin said this was only a reckless nod to a plan that would hand the entire scrap metal trade to a chosen few while killing off hundreds of small operators, many of whom are from the B40 community.
“Sabahans are not fools. This is a blatant abuse of ministerial power for personal or even political gain,” he added.
PBS acting chief Dr Joachim Gunsalam
Gunsalam has denied the allegations and instead accused businessperson Alber Tei - who first exposed the issue - of seeking to monopolise the scrap metal trade himself.
‘Prove me wrong’
Yesterday, Tei, who had also implicated over a dozen Sabah politicians in a separate mining-related scandal, reiterated his challenge to Gunsalam and his deputy, Jahid Jahim, to prove him wrong.
“Once again, I challenge them to lodge a police report if these allegations are slanderous or false. I have all the documents and evidence to prove this matter,” he said.
On Oct 9, Tei claimed to have played a role in Gunsalam’s alleged bid to monopolise the state’s scrap metal industry when the PBS leader was serving as deputy chief minister and industrial development minister.
To support his claim, Tei produced two purported official letters from 2022 - one allegedly signed by Gunsalam and another by Jahid, who also serves as rural development minister - which he said were part of efforts to establish proxy companies on their behalf.
‘Prove me wrong’
Yesterday, Tei, who had also implicated over a dozen Sabah politicians in a separate mining-related scandal, reiterated his challenge to Gunsalam and his deputy, Jahid Jahim, to prove him wrong.
“Once again, I challenge them to lodge a police report if these allegations are slanderous or false. I have all the documents and evidence to prove this matter,” he said.
On Oct 9, Tei claimed to have played a role in Gunsalam’s alleged bid to monopolise the state’s scrap metal industry when the PBS leader was serving as deputy chief minister and industrial development minister.
To support his claim, Tei produced two purported official letters from 2022 - one allegedly signed by Gunsalam and another by Jahid, who also serves as rural development minister - which he said were part of efforts to establish proxy companies on their behalf.
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