PKR Sabah condemns caricature burning, urges youth to uphold civil discourse
The act marked the first time such an incident had occurred in the history of youth activism in Sabah.
KOTA KINABALU - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah has voiced its disappointment over the burning of a caricature resembling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a gathering in Kota Kinabalu city centre on Sunday, calling it an unprecedented act in the state’s youth activism history.
Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the act marked the first time such an incident had occurred in the history of youth activism in Sabah.
“Until now, the political maturity of Sabah’s youth has been greatly respected and admired, but this incident has created a dark mark in the struggle of the state's young generation.
“In championing the right to speak and to assemble peacefully, PKR Sabah emphasises that the principles of safety and the rule of law must be upheld.
“Therefore, any form of assembly must be conducted in an orderly manner, without excessive provocation that may disturb public order and must be rooted in Sabah’s original culture that upholds harmony and peace,” he said in a statement on Monday.
The Deputy Higher Education Minister also added that the authorities must be given full space to investigate the gathering and to take appropriate action in accordance with the laws of the country.
“At the same time, PKR Sabah remains committed to the principle that freedom of speech and peaceful assembly are rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
“This right must be preserved so that the people, especially the younger generation, are not afraid to express their views on government policies and implementation,” he said.
However, the Sepanggar MP also said that PKR Sabah remains consistent in its firm stance of rejecting and not compromising on any form of corruption.
“The culture of corruption has long been the root cause of administrative decline, development leakages, and the people’s suffering.
“PKR Sabah believes that freedom of expression is the foundation of a mature and healthy democracy.
“Students, youths and civil society who raise issues such as the water supply crisis, weaknesses in state resource management, and leakages in public projects deserve space to express their positions and PKR Sabah respects the views of young people who champion these issues,” he said.
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