KOTA KINABALU: The granddaughter of the late Datuk Peter Joinod Mojuntin has joined the chorus of people calling for the lifting of the ban on the book "Peter J. Mojuntin: The Golden Son of the Kadazan."
Atalia Mae Albert Jaua, in making such calls, described the book as important for the people in understanding Sabah's history and the struggle for justice and equity within Malaysia.
"Datuk Peter Mojuntin was a leader who deeply cared about the people of Sabah and was willing to work and negotiate as long as the Federal Government acted fairly," she wrote in an open letter to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
She added that Mojuntin's criticisms were necessary to ensure smooth and fair governance.
"This also brings in the matter of freedom of speech and transparent governance. I believe Datuk Seri knows this more than anyone else.
"You were and still are a freedom and corruption fighter as well as a vocal critic on issues of inconsistencies and discrimination," she added
A revered figure in Sabah's history and a former State Minister of Local Government and Housing, Mojuntin tragically perished in the Sabah Air GAF Nomad crash on June 6, 1976, known as the Double Six Tragedy.
The biography, penned by Bernard Sta Maria and first published in 1978, chronicles Mojuntin's tireless efforts in advocating for the independence of Sabah and safeguarding the rights of its people.
The book was first banned in the same year it was published under Perintah Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (Tegahan Mengenai Penerbitan), Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA).
However, the ban on the book was not lifted even after ISA was abolished and now the ban is under Section 32(2)(a) of Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
During the Kaamatan celebration at Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA) on May 31, 2024, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan had also expressed a similar wish for the Prime Minister to reconsider and lift the ban.
"The people of Sabah place their utmost trust in Datuk Seri to make a wise decision, as doing so will demonstrate Datuk Seri's recognition of Datuk Peter Mojuntin's fight for freedom and justice," Atalia said.