SANDAKAN – The founder of humanitarian civil organisation Borneo Komrad, Mukmin Nantang, faces the possibility of up to three years in prison under the Sedition Act 1948 for his statements and social media posts concerning the eviction of the Bajau Laut community in Semporna.
Despite his detention at the Semporna police headquarters today, he remains resolute in his commitment to defending freedom of speech.
“I’m not worried, but I am ready to fight this (Sedition) Act and all other intimidations towards Malaysians for voicing out a fact,” he told Scoop today.
Mukmin was released on police bail with a local surety around 1.30pm today.
He told Scoop that the interrogation process went smoothly and that police personnel were professional in their handling of his case.
He also said he is ready to cooperate with police because it is part of this fight he believes in.
However, he said he felt it was unfair to be accused of violating the Sedition Act when he was merely voicing the truth about the Bajau Laut eviction incident.
“I do feel that it was unfair that I was being investigated under the Sedition Act because this act is outdated and has already been rejected by many politicians, including those with ministerial positions.
“So if the Sedition Act is used only to shut my mouth from delivering the truth, then I am not willing. I feel that it is unfair that the act is used against me,” he said.
Mukmin said he already has a lawyer on standby when needed.
For first-time offenders, Section 4 of the Sedition Act carries the punishment of a maximum of three years of imprisonment or up to RM5,000 fine, or both, upon conviction.
Borneo Komrad, which currently has about 100 unofficial members, is a non-governmental organisation that has been focusing on fighting for the rights of marginalised communities like the Bajau Laut people, particularly in Semporna.
It currently runs three alternative schools for stateless children, one each in Semporna, Tawau, and Kota Kinabalu. – June 27, 2024