KOTA KINABALU: All parties must continue to preserve Sabah’s image as a state well known for its spirit of tolerance, unity and harmony despite its society being made up of various races, cultures and religions.
Sabah Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Datuk James Ratib, said the culture of mutual respect that has long been the identity of the people of Sabah must be maintained, including in the use of social media such as Facebook, X, WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
According to him, social media should be used maturely, responsibly and based on the values of courtesy and the etiquette upheld by the people of Sabah.
“The people of Sabah are known for their politeness and gentleness in speech. Therefore, I advise all social media users to be more responsible when expressing comments or opinions so as not to cross the line and jeopardise social harmony,” he said.
James, who is also the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for N.40 Sugut, said the actions of certain individuals using social media to insult the state’s highest institution, including the Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, are deeply regrettable and do not reflect the culture of the people of this state.
He said there are certain parties openly using Facebook to hurl vulgar remarks, baseless accusations and extreme provocations against state leaders with the intention of gaining attention and sowing hatred among the people.
“I personally viewed the posts, which were clearly unethical and maliciously intended to embarrass state leaders, particularly the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah. Such actions are not only immature, but can also disrupt harmony and create negative perceptions within society,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
He said this when commenting on the actions of a Facebook account known as “Aqubahni Acp”, which allegedly uploaded content insulting the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Madani Government, and Sabah TYT, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Musa Haji Aman. The account was also alleged to have displayed edited images deemed insulting, degrading and inciting the public against the state leadership.
In this regard, James urged the authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and relevant agencies, to take firm action against any individuals who misuse social media to create extreme provocation and insult state institutions.
He said appropriate action must be taken without compromise, especially if it involves elements of insult, incitement and issues related to 3R that could affect public order and the harmony of Sabahans.
