Sabah Rep Takes GLC Chair Amid Graft Claims

Sabah's former minister Shahelmey Yahya has been named chair of the state oil and gas development corporation, a move that has raised eyebrows given the graft investigation hanging over him. The appointment came despite the Attorney General’s Chambers confirming a pending probe into alleged misuse of funds while he was minister. Critics argue the decision undermines transparency in the state’s public‑linked companies.

For Sabah residents and investors, the choice signals how political patronage may influence the management of natural‑resource assets, potentially affecting job security, revenue distribution and public confidence in state institutions.

The controversy could erode trust in the GLC’s governance, deter foreign partners, and spark calls for stricter vetting of officials, shaping future policy on appointments and anti‑corruption measures.