AMNESTY International Malaysia (AIM) has condemned the heavy handed action against human rights defender, Mukmin Nantang, under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.

AIM executive director Katrina Jorene Maliamauv said Putrajaya should have instead protected Mukmin, adding that the use of the Sedition Act was a clear violation of human rights.

“Amnesty International Malaysia strongly condemns the arrest of Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang who exposed the eviction of the stateless, Indigenous Bajau Laut community that took place in Semporna, Sabah earlier this month.

“The arrest of Mukmin for exposing human rights violations is beyond the pale. The government has an obligation to protect human rights defenders, not arrest and attempt to intimidate.

“The repressive Sedition Act has no place in Malaysia and goes against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration’s own commitments to repeal draconian laws curtailing freedom of speech,” said Katrina in a statement.

Katrina stressed that the Sabah state government must stop its crackdown against human rights defenders, including Mukmin and the Bajau Laut people.

“The authorities should end its evictions of the Bajau Laut people, address human rights violations, and not punish those who expose what is going on,” Katrina added.

Meanwhile, Katrina urged the government to immediately stop the sedition probe against Mukmin, who has since been released on bail earlier today.

“We call on authorities to repeal the 1948 Sedition Act and pending its repeal, ensure that no one else is arrested, investigated, charged or imprisoned under it for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.

“Amnesty International Malaysia reminds the Madani government of its obligations under international human rights law to protect civic space and ensure human rights defenders are able to do their work without fear and intimidation.”

On June 27, Mukmin was questioned by the police under the Sedition Act at the Semporna district police headquarters, in connection with videos showing the demolition of Bajau Laut homes.

He was subsequently placed under arrest. – June 27, 2024.