SEMPORNA – Muslim preacher Ebit Lew may face legal action of up to RM100,000 fine or three years of imprisonment if he continues to help the Bajau Laut folk here.
“This morning I was informed that I was not allowed to go to the islands in Semporna and was asked to stop my mission to distribute donations here. I was told that I could face a punishment of RM100,000 fine or three years imprisonment.
“I am sorry. I must postpone the construction of the school (hut) or community purpose centre here that I had planned,” he said in his Facebook posting.
However, Sabah police commissioner, Datuk Hazani Ghazali told The Vibes that he was not aware that Ebit was told to stop going to the islands in Semporna.
“I have never stopped him, and never commented on his activities here,” he said.
Ebit apologised to the Bajau Laut folk in Pulau Tatagan, whom he converted to Islam on Sunday, for not being able to continue with his mission to give assistance and set up a religious school here.
“I could only distribute donations on a boat. I have purchased the wood and hired seven teachers and they are motivated to educate as their main sources of income. I am sorry ustaz and ustazah (religious teachers),” he said.
The post also said that a lot of people were crying, including personnel who were supposed to go to the island for the mission.
“I am touched with the kindness and love extended by the Sabahans. (They are) like my own family. I love all, and forgive all. I am not offended, and will continue this fight,” he said.
Ebit posted this at about 2pm today and said that he is heading to Tawau to distribute donations in the town before going to the Tawau airport.
Ebit posted yesterday that he had conducted a brief preaching session with the Bajau Laut folk, of which a whole village of 157 people recited the verse of the “shahadah” which is a declaration of accepting the Islamic faith. – The Vibes, February 2, 2021
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