Is it seditious to discuss independence for Sarawak?

After reading my article suggesting an amicable divorce between Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak last Friday, a dear friend in Kuching sent me this message: “I hope the police will not call you up to start an investigation”.

In thanking my friend, Voon Lee Shan, president of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) for his concern, I also mentioned that I am actually quite used to being hauled up by the police.

This would be related either to my line of work or my involvement in social activism. Let’s say I consider it an occupational hazard.

Voon, a former state assemblyperson, is now leading the opposition PBK into its maiden electoral outing come the next elections. His party’s singular objective is known to all – "In Quest for Independence".

I am not surprised when Voon told me that he had been hauled up by the Sarawak police and was told to give a statement regarding a recent video made by the party.

In a nutshell, the quest for Sarawak’s independence means exiting from Malaysia. This must surely be considered “sensitive”.

However, as we are only too aware that in this country, it depends on who brought up the subject and when and where it was raised. Not forgetting, of course, who said it!

Understandably, Voon fought back this week. He should and has every right to do so.

The PBK leader said in a statement that “my political activities have landed me in trouble with the police” and demanded that the police state clearly their legal grounds of calling him in as he is entitled to know the charges against him.

“No citizen suspected of a crime should be forced, coerced and trapped to give a statement if the citizen chooses not to do so. The citizen suspected of a crime has a right to remain silent,” asserted Voon, who is also a lawyer.

A man rowing a boat in Kuching Waterfront.

So, is it seditious to even discuss the subject of independence for Sarawak? To me, I think the answer is “yes and no”.

As I’ve stated above, whether it is deemed seditious or not depends on who said it. And also how forceful and determined the statement was exhorted.

Over the years, there have been growing calls from within and outside for Putrajaya to reinstate its moratorium on using the Sedition Act pending the law’s repeal.

Previous governments have not only used the broadly-worded law against those which incite the public to violence but also to silence critics of the government, the judiciary and Malaysia’s royalty.

Tread carefully

In the case of PBK, it is a political party in direct confrontation with the governing coalition. The party has been actively shouting its “Independence for Sarawak” slogan for the past two years and more.

That party leaders never hide their supreme goal of a “unilateral declaration of independence” for Sarawak from the Malaysian federation is putting on an extremely courageous front indeed.

Whether you support or disagree with PBK, you have to give it to the party leaders for their open and distinct political objective for Sarawak.

Not since the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) protest against Sarawak teaming up with the Malaysia federation in 1963 has there been a more public and open confrontation with Malaya.

“I understand more and more Sarawakians want to see Sarawak free and independent because the marriage with Malaya for the past 58 years is no more workable,” Voon has repeatedly stressed.

I must concede that I am actually surprised that Putrajaya has been pretty ‘lenient’ about PBK’s 'Get out of Malaysia' platform and has allowed its campaign to proceed unhindered.

The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building

I suppose this week’s police action against the PBK president is a sign that things are just about to heat up for Voon and his opposition party. As the election looms, expect the authorities to work overtime, particularly against the opposition parties.

I think that Putrajaya is immune to the many criticisms about its abuse of the Sedition Act and I doubt the current government has any intention to impose a moratorium on this long-abused law until it can be repealed.

What oppositionists like Voon and his PBK colleagues should do is tread on carefully and not cross the red line in their political quest.

My advice to Voon and all politician friends in Sarawak is this: As you struggle on, it may be prudent to realise that the majority of our fellow Sarawakians still choose to stay in their comfort zone, expecting changes to come but unprepared to rock the boat.

But one thing is for real – Sarawak is worth fighting for. - Mkini

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is the author of Hijack in Malaysia: The Fall of Pakatan Harapan. Obtain autographed copies from sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.