KOTA BELUD: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) questioned plans by certain quarters to file a case demanding compensation at the Keningau Native Court from Fahmi Reza, a controversial graphic designer over a caricature that allegedly insulted the Momogun native community.
Ms Priskila Akwila Sinem, Deputy Chief Coordinator for Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri Kota Belud, said the caricature resembling a known political figure was a mere political statement.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});According to Priskila, Fahmi’s caricature represents the voice of all Sabahans who are not satisfied with the lack of action by the authorities on corruption in high places.
She said PKAN upholds the principle of freedom of speech and, therefore, defends Fahmi’s right as an ordinary Malaysian to exercise his right to speak out against corruption.
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“As a member of the Dusun Momogun community in Sabah, I am not influenced, nor offended by Fahmi’s caricature which to me is just a political statement.”
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Priskila also questioned whether the Keningau Native Court has jurisdiction over civil cases under the Native Court Ordinance.
The lawyer from Kota Belud said the suit against Fahmi would be clearly outside the jurisdiction of the Native Court Ordinance.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});She said Section 9 of the Native Court Ordinance 1992 states that the Native Court does not have jurisdiction over any power or matter within the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court or the Civil Court.
“The public also fully understood that Fahmi’s case had nothing to do with the laws or customs of the Sabah Native community because it was merely a caricature, perhaps a political statement criticizing the widespread existence of corruption in Sabah.
“Whether or not the caricature insults someone’s personality and is considered malicious, any individual who feel aggrieved can take legal action under the civil laws, not under Native laws,” she said.