Freedom of expression must have basis — Rubin
TENOM: The freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Federal Constitution is a platform for the people to voice demands to the government in a democratic manner, said Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang.
He said freedom does not mean that they are free to voice a claim on their excessive rights until sparking a dispute with the government.
“However, they may do so as long as their demands have basis and facts for the proposal to be considered later,” he said when opening the Mamagun Association of Sabah general meeting here on Saturday.
Regarding the establishment of Mamagun as a nongovernmental organization (NGO), Rubin was confident that the organization could assist other organizations or associations, especially the Sabah Murut Association (PMS) to unite the Murut community in addition to defending their fundamental rights.
Rubin said that the Mamagun’s struggle is for the indigenous peoples, which include tribes such as Dusun, Murut, Tatana, Bisaya, Lundayeh, Tombonuoh, Sungoi, and others, where the Murut tribe is part of the Mamagun family.
“Therefore, Mamagun’s existence does not give competition to PMS and there is no reason we cannot cooperate in developing the Murut and indigenous people in Barisan Nasional (BN),” he said.
Rubin, who is also president of PMS, also expressed his willingness to help Mamagun together with Tenom member of parliament Datuk Raime Unggi and Melalap assemblyman cum Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Radin Malleh to facilitate Mamagun’s activities in carrying out their mission and vision.
He later presented the appointment letter to the newly appointed members of the Mamagun Association Advisory Council, former Culture Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Kadoh Agundong, Nabawan District Officer Fredian Gan, Kemabong District Chief OKK Sukimin Rukini, Mail Mathew and Henry Bating.