"Malaysia at Crossroads" Forum organiser quizzed by cops

Sidek (3rd from right) and Yong Teck Lee (4th from left) seated

KOTA KINABALU - Police yesterday brought in for questioning the organiser of a recent forum entitled `Malaysia at Crossroads`, which,among others,discussed the growing concerns of Sabah's fate in the country.

Amde Sidek from the Progressive Institute of Public Policy Analysis (PiPPA) told the police that the forum was organised because the topic was very relevant now.

"We had speakers from both academic and politics who are held in high esteem and experts on these subjects.

"And, I don't think anyone was offended as the discussion and points raised were all based on facts and figures," Sidek said.

PiPPA organised the forum in Labuan on August 24 and in Kota Kinabalu on August 27-29.

Sidek, who is also Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president, was called in by police to give his statement to assist them in their investigation of the case at the city police headquarters in Karamunsing yesterday at around 11 am.

'Describing the process as `normal`, Sidek said the forum was educational for the people as they discussed issues pertaining to Sabah's independence, Malaysia Day as well as some sentiments which had been of some concern among the locals.

"We have obtained all the approvals and permits from the relevant authorities, including the police, to hold the forum. So I do not think we have done anything wrong legally.

"And I don't know whether I was called in because someone had lodged a report against me or PiPPA," he said, adding that the incident would not dampen his spirit to organise similar forums in the future.