MP: Why only for unlawful assembly?

Kota Kinabalu, Apr 7, 2009: SEPANGGAR Member of Parliament Datuk Eric Majimbun expressed shock that the group involved in burning the Sabah flag in Lahad Datu was only being detained for organising an unlawful assembly.

He said what was even more shocking was that the Suluk who claimed to be a descendant of the so-called Sultan of Sulu was also reported to be in possession of a MyKad, as with all the rest of the group.

"Who are they actually and why were they only detained for unlawful assembly? They torched six Sabah flags and yet we are still very lenient and considerate, as if they had just torched a dirty shirt or something like that," he said.

"It is a big issue which is related to the long unsolved Sabah claim as well as the presence of 'Malaysianised Filipinos' who are in possession of Malaysian identity cards via dubious means.

"By right all the men involved should be detained, charged and stripped of their Malaysian citizenship," he said.

He also expressed anger over the group fleeing towards the Lahad Datu police headquarters and attempting to enter the compound by force, which he believes is akin to trying to remind the district dwellers of the bloody history which unfolded there many years ago.

"The people involved seem to be testing us and our Government looks like just keeping cool as if it is nothing importantÉit is for us to guess what's next," he said.

Tawau MP Chua Soon Bui said it was an act of defiance against Malaysia.

"They all have MyKads and this makes it even worse as they are claiming to represent another country," she said.

Chua contended the incident might not be the end of it, as there could be others behind the flag burning and the Home Affairs Ministry must thoroughly investigate the matter.

"If we let this incident go off without any concrete action, in future individuals or (other) groups) will follow in their footsteps," she said, pointing out their citizenships should be terminated.

Quoted from DE