KOTA KINABALU, July 1 -- Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, one of the latest figures linked to an alleged mining scandal, has claimed that videos implicating him are the work of "hidden hands" seeking to weaken and destabilise the local ruling coalition.

The Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president denied any wrongdoing and questioned the timing and motives behind the scandal, which has led to charges against two state assemblymen over corruption involving mining licences.

"We see that there is a hidden hand moving around and planning all this behind the scenes," he said.

When asked whether he knew who was behind the videos or who had taken them, Kitingan said he did not know.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Those who h...