POLICE have recommended to the Attorney-General’s Chambers that charges be filed against Sarawakian activists who did not stand up when the national anthem was played at a recent event.

Federal Criminal Investigation Department principal assistant director Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said nine activists from the Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) group had been questioned for failing to show respect to the national anthem at a fundraising event in Kuching last week.

“The investigation paper had been referred to the state Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action. We have suggested for them to be charged,” Mior was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini at a press conference this morning.

The activists, aged between 34 and 64, were investigated under the National Anthem Act 1968. Conviction carries a fine of up to RM100 or a month in prison.

A spokesman for S4S, Alex Leong had said that their refusal to stand for the “Negaraku” was meant as a silent protest against Putrajaya’s unfair policies towards Sarawak.

A police report was lodged against the group after a video of their protest was shared on social media.

Mior today said police did not consider the fact that the activists were protesting as a mitigating factor 

“When the national anthem is played, it’s the duty of every Malaysian citizen to show respect,” he said.

Sarawak formed Malaysia together with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya in 1963, although Singapore left the federation two years later.

Negaraku was chosen as the anthem for Malaya at its independence in 1957. 

Pro-autonomy activists in Sarawak are calling for the restoration of state rights under the 1963 agreement on the formation of Malaysia.

They say state rights have been eroded over the years by the federal government. – October 2, 2019.