PETALING JAYA: Fahmi Reza has openly challenged Bingkor district chief Daniel Palangi to sue him over allegations of disrespecting Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.
"Please send the summons. I am not afraid," the graphic artist and activist stated on his Facebook page on Friday (Jan 17).
"I am ready to be present at the native court of Keningau anytime to answer any accusations."
Fahmi was responding to Palangi's statement that a caricature allegedly depicting Musa was deemed highly offensive by the Keningau Native Court and had incited anger among the Kadazandusun Murut community.
Fahmi defended his actions, saying, "The majority of Sabahans know that I am not the enemy of the community but of all the corrupt and those who protect them."
He further asserted his willingness to face the consequences. "I am prepared to have a 'sogit' imposed on me or even go to jail to defend my rights to use art as a weapon against corrupters," Fahmi said.
Palangi had earlier announced that the decision to pursue legal action against Fahmi was unanimously agreed upon during a special meeting with Keningau native chiefs.
Traditionally, sogit involves blood penalties (slaughtering of an animal such as a chicken, pig or buffalo, depending on the severity of the offence) based on the Native Courts Enactment of 1995.
However, the court may also order that any penalty or compensation be paid in cash.
