KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno is urging authorities to investigate and take decisive action against any parties attempting to incite unrest in the state through extreme provocations linked to calls for Sabah and Sarawak to secede from Malaysia.
Its Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the actions of those who publicly promote such provocations on social media must be immediately stopped, and the perpetrators should face strict legal consequences.
He added that this behaviour should not be allowed to persist as it jeopardises the spirit of cooperation, unity, and national security.
"This group's actions are intentionally aimed at disrupting the nation."Therefore, Sabah Umno calls on the authorities to investigate those behind this behaviour," he said in a statement.
Suhaimi, who is also the Libaran member of parliament, commented on recent social media provocations calling for Sabah's exit from Malaysia.
He added that police should investigate the matter, especially those inciting from abroad, as this is a serious and dangerous issue.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police have launched an investigation under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 in relation to a viral video showing the Malaysian flag being lowered and replaced with the flags of Sabah and Sarawak.
The incident, which took place in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept 16, was reportedly intended as a symbolic act to mark the end of Malaysia's "colonisation" of both states and to declare Sabah and Sarawak as republics.
So far, 35 reports have been filed concerning the video, with 34 from Sabah and one from Kuala Lumpur.Suhaimi added that any federal-state relationship issues should be discussed amicably, without inciting public anger and spreading irrational thoughts.
He said even if the provocations were linked to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), 11 of the claims have already been resolved through the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), seven of which were addressed under the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"We are confident that, step by step, the MA63 claims will be settled, and if this is what drives these groups to revive the issue of Sabah's exit from Malaysia, it is irrelevant," he said.
Suhaimi highlighted the prime minister's consistency and diligence in ensuring all claims by Sabah and Sarawak are fulfilled.
He also said the increase in interim special payments to Sabah and Sarawak from RM300 million to RM600 million starting next year is further evidence of the prime minister's concern and deep understanding of the rising costs in both states.