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| Pei said the detentions were “unlawful as the question of ‘secession from Malaysia’ is not specifically prohibited in MA63, the Federal Constitution or international law.” - Bernama pic for illustration only |
KOTA KINABALU: A group of NGOs called on the Federal Government to apologise and make appropriate reparations for the loss of freedom to seven Sabahans, including Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who were arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) 33 years ago.
The group also urged the Federal Government to withdraw the arrest warrant for Doris Jones who they claimed was legally demanding self-determination for Sabah and the warrant was unlawful.
The group comprised Sabah Sarawak Rights, Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ Australian NGO) President Robert Pei, Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) President Daniel John Jambun, PBK President Voon Lee Shan, Sapa Publicity Chief Peter John Jaban, DRAF Information Chief Robert Saweng, Republic Sabah North Borneo (RSNB) President Mosses Anap and Emily Elvera Edward, President of Sabah Sarawak Borneo Natives Organisation Inc. SSRANZ Australian NGO President Robert Pei, who represented the group, in the a joint-statement said:
“The NGO leaders expressed their sympathies and solidarity with Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and the six Sabahans who, in standing up for Sabah and Sarawak rights, lost their freedom and suffered the injustice and indignity of being detained for long periods without charge or trial in open court.”
Pei said the detentions were “unlawful as the question of ‘secession from Malaysia’ is not specifically prohibited in MA63, the Federal Constitution or international law.”
He said many people have freely and openly discussed this the past 10 years after the abolition of the Internal Security Act 1960 in 2011.
Pei also said while more draconian laws have replaced the Internal Security Act 1960 after its abolition in 2011, the official approach has been one of restraint rather than outright suppression of free speech on the topic.
“This strategy aims to prevent escalation of public debate and awareness that would likely result from official suppression,” he claimed.
He also alleged that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was riddled with illegalities and had not been concluded properly as an international treaty.
Source:Daily Express Malaysia
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