ON May 22, the Court of Appeal dismissed Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and his wife Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad’s bid to review a ruling requiring them to enter their defence in a corruption case involving RM2.8 mil.
The RM2.8 mil was allegedly received during Bung’s tenure as non-executive chairman of FELCRA Bhd, in connection with a RM150 mil unit trust investment.
Yes, this isn’t a new charge. The legal cloud has been hanging over Bung who is also the Lamag state assemblyman since 2019.
But even now, with the Court of Appeal signalling the case must go forward, why are we still entertaining the idea that he might contest the next Sabah elections?
At what point does political survival override basic ethical considerations?
Plainly put, Bung’s track record is nothing to be proud of. This matters because it’s not just about political theatre. It involves real money, real trust and real consequences for Sabahans.
Start with the RM2.8 mil corruption charges. The court has ruled that there is a case to answer. That alone should be enough to sideline most politicians. Those aspiring for public office must not only be clean but be seen to be so.
But the corruption case is just one chapter in a career marked by controversy. Bung’s political history is riddled with episodes that would have ended most public careers but yet he continues to linger.
Slew of controversies
In 2010, he was convicted for marrying a second wife without court approval. A jail sentence was handed down but he was only fined upon appeal.
A lawmaker who admitted to breaking the law – even if the case involved a personal matter – should render him unqualified to be a member of any legislative assemblies, let alone seek re-elections.
In 2014, fresh off Germany’s World Cup win, he tweeted “Long live Hitler,” sparking international outrage and a hasty apology. Whether Bung was historically ignorant or simply detached from reality, the episode showed why he’s not fit to hold public office.
In 2007, he made a sexist remark in Parliament about a fellow MP’s menstrual cycle. In 2018, he hurled profanities in the Dewan Rakyat after being accused of visiting a casino – clips of which still make its rounds as memes.
And who can forget the “Kinabalu Move” in 2023, Bung’s failed bid to topple Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The coup attempt collapsed, he was removed from his deputy chief minister’s post, and Sabah politics was thrown into turmoil. All for what? Personal ambition dressed up as party loyalty?
Just last week, he decided to ridicule the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan. This is a sentiment that resonates deeply with many in the state.
Of course, this came from someone who seems more concerned with staying in power than advocating for Sabah’s rights. Sabahans know the difference between empty slogans and genuine service. Bung’s recent comments made that distinction painfully obvious.
Qualified or not?
The question is no longer whether Bung Moktar should lead. It is whether he should even be on the ballot.
Yes, we have the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”. But political leadership is not a court of law but rather, a court of public opinion.
There is a difference between legal guilt and political legitimacy. No one should walk into the voting booth wondering if their pick belongs in court, cabinet or a comedy club.
Political parties, especially in Sabah, must stop fielding candidates who bring baggage instead of credibility.
Bung’s presence on any ballot sends a message that corruption charges, public embarrassment and ethical lapses are something Malaysians are forced to stomach instead of disqualifiers.
That is a dangerous message for a country already struggling with institutional trust. Sabah deserves better. Its youths deserve better. And the entire nation deserves better from its leaders.
This is not about kicking a man while he is down. This is about refusing to let him drag the political process down with him while robbing Sabahans or Malaysians for that matter of whatever little trust they have in institutions.
If Bung Moktar still insists on running, then it is up to voters and party leaders to show him the door. Not with insults. Not with threats. Just with one simple, democratic message:
“Thank you for your service. But this is where it ends.” – May 30, 2025
