Former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon, who accused Chief Minister Hajiji Noor of abusing his powers, could not hold back tears when he touched on the plight of the people in his state, where hardcore poverty is six times the national rate.

Recounting an incident in 2005 when he was with the Sabah Mineral and Geoscience Department, he said close to 5,000 applications were received for three vacancies.

“This was not even an officer’s position...