Legal action against DAP over false image of Sulu incursion
KOTA KINABALU (July 10): Three Sabahans— former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee, history researcher Stephan Bin Gaimin and activist Asraf Bin Amir — have filed a high-profile lawsuit against DAP and its mouthpiece, Roketkini.com, for publishing a misleading image falsely linking the Sulu incursion to Lahad Datu.
The core of the case revolves around a fake image published on Roketkini.com, a website created by DAP to further its political agenda. The image, incorrectly labelled as depicting the 2013 Sulu incursion in Sabah, was later included in the book Kedaulatan Negara Harga Mati Pencerobohan Sulu dan Dampaknya kepada Keselamatan Pantai Timur Sabah, published by Penerbit University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The plaintiffs contend that the image actually depicts a separate, unrelated violent conflict in the Philippines. That image of a massing of armed men led by a commander, all of whom were dressed in army fatigue and carried weapons, erroneously depicted the wrong and much more scary message than was the case of the Sulu incursion at Tanduo in 2013. That wrong image has the effect of scaring the people of Sabah.
Yong
Earlier this year, the plaintiffs had written to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and also lodged a complaint via the Commission's SOP (online portal), but to date, there has been no response of any kind from MCMC. Therefore, this legal action is also to seek a court order to compel MCMC to order DAP and Roketkini.com to take down that offending image.
'This misleading image has caused great concern and confusion, especially for the people of Sabah. The publication in Roketkini.com has also caused other organisations like UMS to use that wrong image and aggravated the panic and public sensitivities. The publication of false news about a sensitive issue like the 2013 Sulu incursion not only undermines the integrity of news sources but also stirs unnecessary fear and panic among the public,' said Stephan.
In a statement, Asraf, a native of Tungku, Lahad Datu, and Stephan emphasised that their legal action is not just about correcting the facts but ensuring the integrity of public information, especially considering that the misinformation was published on the website of the ruling party in Malaysia and the party of a member of the Sabah Cabinet.
'The use of this particular photo has given the wrong impression of a major armed force led by trained commanders invading Lahad Datu, which has made the people of Sabah rightfully concerned and worried,' added Asraf.
The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to compel Roketkini.com to remove the misleading content and prevent further harm and to publish an apology on its own website. They are also seeking reliefs against DAP to compel Roketkini.com to remove the misleading content.
This case also challenges whether the publication had violated the Printing Presses And Publications Act 1984 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
'This case highlights the urgent need for accountability in the digital age, where misinformation can spread like wildfire and have devastating consequences,' added Yong.
'We will not stand by idly as false narratives are used to mislead and manipulate the public. We are determined to hold those responsible accountable.'
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