KOTA KINABALU: Keningau native leaders are seeking to impose a sogit (customary compensation) on controversial graphic designer Fahmi Reza for allegedly disrespecting Sabah's Yang Di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, through a widely circulated caricature.
The image, considered highly offensive by the Keningau Native Court, has incited anger, particularly among the Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) community.
Bingkor district chief Daniel Palangi, representing the Keningau Native Court, stated that the decision to pursue the lawsuit was unanimously agreed upon during a special meeting with Keningau Native Chiefs, Native Chief Representatives and village heads.
"We agreed that the Keningau Native Court must take firm action in accordance with the customs and regulations stipulated in the Sabah Native Court Enactment No. 13 of 1992," he said.
He explained that the lawsuit aims to seek sogit from Fahmi, as the caricature not only tarnished Musa’s image but also insulted the dignity of Sabah's people, especially the KDM community.
"The action aligns with the rights and special status of Sabah's native communities, as recognised under Article 161A of the Malaysian Constitution," Palangi added.
A letter of summons will soon be issued to Fahmi Reza, and Palangi emphasised that this move should serve as a lesson for everyone to respect Sabah's leaders and its customs.
