**Sabah Gana Association Calls for TikTok Action on Video Insulting KDMR Ethnic Groups** This title emphasizes the call to action and highlights the focus on the ethically sensitive content issue related to the KDMR ethnic groups

Sabah Officials Condemn Offensive TikTok Video Targeting Indigenous Communities

August 31,2024

Keningau,Sabah – A controversial TikTok video purportedly demeaning the Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus (KdMR) communities of Sabah has drawn sharp condemnation from local leaders. The one-minute, 26-second clip reportedly features the revered Keningau Oath Stone, a potent symbol of Sabah’s history and unity, prompting accusations of cultural insensitivity and disrespect.

Julian F. Lian @ Mohd hafiz, the Vice President of the Sabah Gana Association (PGS) and a former District Chief of Keningau, has publicly denounced the video.He has voiced support for calls from Carl Moosom, the Political Secretary to the UPKO President, for the Malaysian Communications and multimedia Commission (MCMC) to swiftly investigate the matter, remove the offensive content, and prevent its further dissemination across social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Threat to Social Harmony

“Insulting the KdMR ethnic groups and diminishing the meaning of the Oath Stone represents a tangible threat to social harmony,” Julian stated firmly. “Immediate legal measures must be implemented to safeguard the unity and peace within our state.” The Keningau Oath Stone holds deep cultural and historical significance for Sabah’s indigenous populations, representing a pledge of unity and the protection of native rights.

Authorities are treating this incident with utmost seriousness, recognizing the potential for such provocative material to incite inter-ethnic tensions. Julian has also urged the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to initiate a thorough investigation and pursue legal action against those responsible for creating and circulating the video.

National Implications

The concern extends beyond the borders of Sabah, with leaders emphasizing that such provocations could jeopardize inter-ethnic relations across the entire nation. Julian underscored the importance of unity, vigilance, and mutual respect among all communities in Malaysia. He further stated that Sabah’s strength lies within its rich diversity.

“sabah prospers because of its diversity,” Julian affirmed. “Insults and provocations will not diminish the spirit of the people who deeply value peace, unity, and the history of our state.”

Understanding the Keningau Oath Stone

The Keningau Oath Stone, also known as Batu Sumpah, is a historical monument in Keningau, Sabah. It commemorates the promises made by the federal government to Sabah upon its inclusion into Malaysia in 1963. These promises encompassed safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples, preserving their land, and maintaining their cultural identity. The Stone serves as a constant reminder of these commitments and a symbol of Sabah’s autonomy within the federation.

Did You Know? The Stone was unveiled on August 31, 1964, and continues to be a focal point for cultural ceremonies and expressions of Sabah’s identity.

Social Media and Cultural Sensitivity

This incident highlights the increasing challenges of navigating cultural sensitivity in the digital age.The rapid spread of data on platforms like TikTok necessitates responsible content creation and vigilant monitoring to prevent the dissemination of harmful or offensive material. Several countries are currently grappling with legislation to address online hate speech and protect cultural heritage. Malaysia’s existing laws regarding sedition and defamation could be applied in this case.

Platform	Content Moderation Policies	reporting Mechanisms
TikTok	Prohibits hate speech,bullying,and content that violates community guidelines.	Users can report offensive videos; TikTok’s review team assesses the content.
Facebook	Has policies against hate speech, discrimination, and malicious attacks.	Users can flag content for review; Facebook employs AI and human reviewers.
Instagram	Prohibits content that promotes hatred, incites violence, or disparages individuals or groups.	Users can report posts; Instagram’s team investigates reported violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Keningau Oath Stone? The Keningau Oath Stone is a historical monument symbolizing promises made to Sabah upon its formation of Malaysia, safeguarding indigenous rights.
• Why is this TikTok video controversial? The video allegedly contains offensive remarks towards Sabah’s indigenous communities and features the Keningau Oath Stone.
• What action are officials requesting? Officials are urging the MCMC to investigate, remove the video, and prosecute those responsible.
• what are the potential consequences of this incident? this could damage inter-ethnic relations in Sabah and across Malaysia.
• How can individuals report offensive content online? Users can report content directly through the reporting mechanisms on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

What are your thoughts on the role of social media platforms in protecting cultural heritage? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What legal frameworks in Malaysia could be applied to address the offensive TikTok video, and how effective have they been in similar cases?

Sabah Gana Association Calls for TikTok Action on Video Insulting KDMR Ethnic Groups

The Offensive TikTok Video & KDMR Community Outrage

The Sabah Gana Association (SGA), a prominent advocacy group representing the interests of communities in Sabah, malaysia, has issued a strong condemnation and a formal call to action regarding a deeply offensive video circulating on TikTok. The video, which features disparaging remarks and harmful stereotypes directed towards the KDMR (Kadazan-Dusun-Murut) ethnic groups, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for its immediate removal. The SGA is urging TikTok to swiftly address the issue and prevent the further spread of hate speech targeting these indigenous communities.

Understanding the KDMR Ethnic Groups

The KDMR communities represent a meaningful portion of Sabah’s population, encompassing a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions.

Kadazan: Known for their agricultural practices and vibrant harvest festivals.

Dusun: Characterized by diverse dialects and unique cultural expressions.

Murut: Historically renowned as skilled hunters and artisans.

The video’s harmful content not only insults these individual groups but also undermines the collective identity and cultural heritage of the broader KDMR community.This type of online harassment contributes to real-world discrimination and prejudice.

SGA’s Demands to TikTok: A Multi-Pronged Approach

The sabah Gana Association isn’t simply requesting the video’s removal. Their demands encompass a broader strategy to combat hate speech and protect vulnerable communities on the platform. Key requests include:

1. Immediate Removal: The SGA insists on the immediate and permanent removal of the offending TikTok video.
2. Account Suspension: They are calling for the suspension of the account responsible for posting the hateful content.
3. Enhanced Content Moderation: The association is advocating for improved content moderation policies and algorithms specifically designed to detect and remove discriminatory content targeting ethnic groups in Malaysia.this includes proactive monitoring, not just reactive responses to reported videos.
4. Transparency Report: The SGA requests tiktok publish a transparency report detailing the number of reported hate speech incidents related to Malaysian ethnic groups and the actions taken.
5. Community Guidelines Enforcement: A clear and consistent enforcement of TikTok’s community guidelines regarding hate speech and discrimination is paramount.

The Legal Framework & Online Harassment in Malaysia

Malaysia’s legal framework offers some recourse against online hate speech. The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has the authority to investigate and take action against individuals or platforms that violate Malaysian laws related to online content.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998: This section criminalizes the improper use of network facilities or network services, including the transmission of offensive, false, or menacing content.

Sedition Act 1948: While controversial, this act can be invoked in cases of speech that promotes ill-will or hostility between different groups.

Though, enforcement can be challenging, and the SGA believes platforms like TikTok have a responsibility to self-regulate and proactively address harmful content.The rise of social media and user-generated content necessitates a collaborative approach between legal authorities and tech companies.

TikTok’s Response & Previous Incidents

As of August 31, 2025, TikTok has not issued a public statement directly addressing the SGA’s concerns. this lack of immediate response has fueled further criticism.

Historically, TikTok has faced scrutiny regarding its handling of hate speech and harmful content globally. Similar incidents involving ethnic and racial slurs on the platform have prompted calls for greater accountability and improved moderation practices.

2023 Incident (Indonesia): TikTok faced backlash for allowing the spread of videos promoting discrimination against Papuan students.

2024 Incident (Philippines): Concerns were raised about the proliferation of misinformation and hate speech during the national elections.

These past incidents highlight the ongoing challenges TikTok faces in balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable communities.

The Broader Implications: Protecting Indigenous Cultures Online

The SGA’s call to action extends beyond this specific incident. It underscores the importance of protecting indigenous cultures and communities from online harassment and discrimination. The digital space can be a powerful tool for cultural preservation and empowerment, but it can also be exploited to spread harmful stereotypes and incite hatred.

Digital Sovereignty: Emp