Activist detained in KL back in Sabah

Joseph Lakai, a senior member of SAPP, released after a grilling by authorities over his political comments on Facebook

KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah political activist, Joseph Lakai, who was detained by police in Kuala Lumpur two days ago over remarks he had made on the Internet about federal-state relations and politics, is back in Sabah.

Lakai, a pilot active on social media sites such as Facebook, was arrested by the authorities soon after he landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Wednesday evening.

FMT was made to understand that Lakai was taken to an undisclosed investigation office where he was queried about his comments on Sabah rights, Malaysia Agreement, secession issue, religious freedom and other remarks.

A local lawyer, Peter Marajin told FMT that he received a call from Lakai yesterday (Thursday) confirming he was detained in the nation’s capital.

“He confirmed the news but he denied he was physically abused by the police,” said Marajin, alluding to rumours that he has been put under certain degree of psychological pressure during the investigation.

“Joseph is now being requested to report back to the police to clarify certain inaccurate postings on Facebook.

“He will be reporting to Karamunsing police station tomorrow (today, Friday),” said the popular lawyer who himself is an activist.

Lakai is a senior member of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).