Alleged Defamation of Sabah Chief Minister: G57 Lodges Police Report, Urges Immediate Investigation

KUALA LUMPUR – Chairman of Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57), Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar, has lodged a police report over the spread of allegedly defamatory content targeting Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, at the Sri Petaling police station.

Zulkarnain said the report was filed following the circulation of several social media posts depicting Hajiji alongside the words “Missing Person” and claims that he had failed to attend and respond to questions in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN). He stressed that these claims were untrue, as the Chief Minister had been present and was carrying out his official duties as usual.

He added that the content was believed to have been uploaded on a Facebook platform under the name “Warisan Negeri Sabah” by irresponsible parties, potentially misleading the public and damaging the image and reputation of Sabah’s state leadership.

“I believe these posts constitute deliberate defamation, intended to mislead the public and create negative perceptions of the Chief Minister’s leadership,” he told reporters after lodging the report.

In the report, Zulkarnain urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take firm action without compromise against those responsible.

He called for the case to be investigated under defamation laws as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Zulkarnain also urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act against the dissemination of false content, warning that such misinformation could undermine public order and confidence in state institutions.

At the same time, he advised the public not to easily believe or share unverified information.

“This report is made in the public interest and to ensure strict action is taken against any party that abuses social media platforms to spread defamatory content,” he said.