Open letter to the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu

 

Request for Meeting to Discuss Concerns Regarding Vistana Heights Occupancy Certificate Approval 

Dear Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Sabin Samitah, 

I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding an unresolved issue that appears to fall within the scope of your previous role as Director-General of the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC) and your current position as Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK). Specifically, I am concerned about the approval of the Occupancy Certificate for Vistana Heights, despite allegations that the as-built survey and development plans submitted for this project were fabricated.  During your tenure as Director-General of the NFCC from late 2021 to early 2024, the agency was responsible for coordinating efforts to combat financial crimes, including corruption and fraud, through centralized data systems and collaboration with agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Given this mandate, I had hoped that cases involving potential misconduct in public institutions, such as DBKK, would have been thoroughly investigated and resolved under your leadership. Unfortunately, the issue of the Vistana Heights Occupancy Certificate, which allegedly involves falsified documents, remains unaddressed, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability. 

As the current Mayor of DBKK, you are now in a position to directly oversee the integrity of processes within the City Hall. The approval of an Occupancy Certificate based on allegedly fabricated as-built surveys and development plans undermines public trust in DBKK’s governance and suggests potential lapses in due diligence. I urge you to investigate this matter promptly, ensuring that any irregularities are addressed and those responsible are held accountable.  To discuss this issue in greater detail and explore potential resolutions, I respectfully request a meeting with you at your earliest convenience. I am available to meet in person at the DBKK office or virtually, depending on your preference, and can adjust my schedule to accommodate yours. Please let me know a suitable date and time, or kindly direct me to the appropriate contact to arrange this discussion.  Additionally, I request a response outlining the steps DBKK will take to review the Vistana Heights case and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Transparency and decisive action are critical to restoring confidence in DBKK’s operations and the broader fight against financial crimes, which you championed at the NFCC.  Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to meet to address this matter constructively. 

Yours sincerely,

Luqman Michel