KOTA KINABALU: The Gagasan Rakyat youth wing has lodged a report over a viral social media post alleging that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had “sold” or ceded parts of Pulau Sebatik to Indonesia, a claim the movement described as baseless and defamatory.
Youth Chief Datuk Azrul Ibrahim said at the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters on Friday that the report was lodged to enable authorities to investigate individuals involved in spreading the allegations.
“This is a clear act of slander and manipulation of a sensitive issue. We believe it is being deliberately played up, possibly in view of the coming State Legislative Assembly sitting or for certain political interests,” he said.
He stressed that the accusations, which circulated via a Facebook post and accompanying comments, falsely suggested that Sabah territory had been handed over to Indonesia.
“We take this matter seriously because such unverified claims can mislead the public, create unnecessary tension, and undermine harmony,” he added.
Azrul also called on the Federal Government, particularly Wisma Putra, to issue an immediate and clear explanation on the Pulau Sebatik issue to prevent further manipulation.
He also urged authorities to take firm action under existing laws, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, against those responsible for spreading false information and inciting provocation.
The controversy comes amid conflicting reports over the status of a 127.3-hectare area on Pulau Sebatik.
While Indonesia’s Presidential Staff Office reportedly claimed the area now belongs to Indonesia, the country’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, has denied this.
He clarified that the island remains a “grey area” under ongoing negotiations and is not under Indonesian control.
The issue is a long-standing matter involving Malaysia-Indonesia border discussions which remains unresolved.
Touching on remarks by a social media user identified as “Amy Dangin,” Azrul dismissed claims that the Chief Minister had deployed “cyber troopers” to attack critics.
“Hajiji is a leader who conducts himself with decorum and wisdom.
“He is focused on governing and serving the people, not engaging in personal attacks,” he said.
“We advise all social media users to be cautious in making statements that could create tension, especially when it involves a sitting Chief Minister,” he added.
He said the youth wing is monitoring online comments and will not hesitate to take similar action if necessary.
