KOTA KINABALU: The seat of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri must be respected, and individuals should refrain from making insulting remarks against the incumbent, says Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu.
"The seat is not just an individual but an important institution in the state's administrative structure,” he said.
"He is a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and stability for Sabah and plays a major role in maintaining the integrity of the state's administrative system," added Lahirul in a statement Sunday (Dec 29).
Lahirul said activist Fahmi Reza's actions in posting insulting caricatures of incoming TYT Tun Musa Aman were "uncivilised" and only caused disharmony among the people of the state.
"The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah is the Head of State who holds an important position in the Malaysian Constitutional Monarchy system."
"Although Sabah does not have a Sultan like some states in the peninsula, the TYT replaces that role as a symbol of state sovereignty," Lahirul said.
He said the TYT is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, making him the highest representative of Sabah under the Constitutional framework of the Federation of Malaysia.
"Therefore, insulting the TYT not only reflects a lack of respect for the state symbol but also challenges Sabah's relationship with the Federal system," he said.
Lahirul said Sabah Amanah respected the importance of freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, but freedom must be used responsibly.
"Any insult to TYT is the same as degrading the dignity and identity of the state of Sabah itself," he said.
He urged all parties, including artists and activists, to be more sensitive to the sensitivity of the people of Sabah.
"Criticism and satire should be done in a civilised and responsible manner so as not to tarnish the dignity of the state," he added.
He urged the authorities to investigate the incidents of insults and take appropriate action if there is any violation of the law.
