KOTA KINABALU: Freedom of speech and fighting for rights should be done respectfully, without insulting, provoking or damaging the image of the country, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He said a recent post of Malaysian activists in Australia parading an upside-down Jalur Gemilang not only tarnished the image of the country, but it also showed that these people did not live by the Malaysian culture of a civilised community.
"Insulting the sign of a country's sovereignty does not portray Sabah and Sarawak people's politeness and morality," he said, adding that such actions could potentially affect overseas Malaysians' reputation in that country.
Mustapha said over the past 20 years, the fight for state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has been deemed a sensitive issue, with people arrested and facing legal charges.
"But today, the return of Sabah and Sarawak rights is being discussed openly. This has also become the Madani government's main agenda," he said.
He said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim since becoming Prime Minister four years ago, had seen to 12 of the MA63 articles resolved, increased the special interim grant payment from RM26.7mil to RM1.5bil annually, and continued discussions of the 40% grant.
"People can see for themselves the results from fighting for state rights with diplomacy as opposed to using provocative measures," Mustapha said.
He said the Madani government respected the right to protest and express thoughts, but that does not mean they can be done without consequences.
He called on the public to file complaints or reports against the protest with upside-down flags like the one done in Australia, so that action can be taken according to existing laws.
In the protest held outside Parliament House, Victoria, Melbourne on Sunday (Oct 25), the group said their act of showing the upside-down Sabah and other flags symbolised their political distress regarding unresolved questions surrounding the formation of Malaysia and the constitutional and political status of Sabah and Sarawak.
