A HUMAN rights group has condemned the arrest of Borneo Komrad founder and human rights activist Mukmin Nantang under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
Mukmin, who had exposed the eviction of the stateless, indigenous Bajau Laut community in Semporna, Sabah earlier this month, was called for investigations at the Semporna district police headquarters earlier today (June 27) and was subsequently placed under arrest.
Amnesty International Malaysia executive director Katrina Jorene Maliamauv said Mukmin’s arrest for exposing human rights violation is beyond the pale, adding that the government has an obligation to protect human rights defenders and not arrest and attempt to intimidate.
“The use of the Sedition Act to silence the voices of human rights defenders is a clear violation of the rights to freedom of expression,” she added.
“The repressive Sedition Act has no place in Malaysia and goes against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration’s own commitments to repeal draconian laws curtailing freedom of speech.”
End crackdown
Maliamauv further called for the Sabah state government to stop its crackdown against human rights defenders, including Mukmin, and the Bajau Laut People.
She said the authorities should end its evictions of the Bajau Laut people, address human rights violations, and not punish those who expose what is going on.
“Amnesty International Malaysia calls on the government to immediately release Mukmin and stop the sedition probe against him,” she stressed.
“We call on authorities to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 and pending its repeal, ensure that no one else is arrested, investigated, charged or imprisoned under it for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.
“The authorities must also fulfil its state obligations to protect, respect, and uphold the rights and dignity of stateless people and Indigenous persons, including the Bajau Laut people.
“Amnesty International Malaysia reminds the Madani government of its obligations under international human rights law to protect civic space and ensure human rights defenders are able to do their work without fear and intimidation.”
On June 14, eight Bajau Laut stateless, indigenous students, at least three of whom are children, were arrested following a peaceful protest calling for improved water access outside Sabah chief minister’s office and were released after seven days in detention. – June 27, 2024
Main pic credit: Sinar Daily
