Sabah student body announces June 21-22 rally in KK
A Sabah student movement announced a rally to protest the ongoing water crisis at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), controversial government appointments, and other issues.
The Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 (Peaceful Rally Against Sabah Corruption 2.0) was set for June 21 and 22.
At a press conference tonight, the Suara Mahasiswa UMS group, led by Fadhil Kasim, said...
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Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Anti-corruption rally ends with burning of placard in KK
The burning of a caricature of the Prime Minister during the anti-corruption rally at Lintasan Deasoka on Sunday morning KOTA KINABALU (June 22): The two-day Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, organized by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, concluded controversially on Sunday when protesters burned a large placard, featuring a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at Lintasan Deasoka near Gaya Street on Sunday morning. The banner also carried the phrase 'Madani Protector of Sabah Corruption'. Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim said the symbolic burning of a caricature of the Prime Minister was done in an orderly and safe manner. In a statement on Sunday, he said the secretariat had ensured an appropriate radius between the position of the symbolic burning and the audience who witnessed the historic moment. After the burning, he said they cleaned the area with soap and brooms, collected surrounding garbage and ensured the location was clean enough before leaving. 'The biggest message of this gathering is to strongly criticize the hypocritical leadership of Madani against institutional reform and the promise to eradicate corruption. 'Recently, Anwar Ibrahim announced a challenge to the youth to fight corruption. Today is proof that students with full idealism and courage have taken up the challenge to fight corruption in Sabah,' Muhamad Fadhil said. Kota Kinabalu police confirmed an investigation is pending and will issue a statement on Monday. Parti Warisan has denied involvement in the rally. Meanwhile, independent youth group Mandiri has criticised the police for allegedly failing to facilitate the anti-corruption rally on June 21. Mandiri coordinator Wong KuKui said the group was made to understand that police officers present during the peaceful assembly did not fulfil their responsibilities, despite having received prior notice of the event. 'This is not a minor oversight — it is a dereliction of duty that could endanger lives. In the event of injury or casualty, the police must bear full responsibility,' he said. Wong also claimed that Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) had ordered the removal of banners, even though the rally was held in a public space. 'This reflects DBKK's ignorance or refusal to acknowledge legal developments, especially the moratorium on Section 11 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (APA 2012), which was announced by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on February 13, 2025,' he said. The moratorium suspends the requirement to obtain permission from venue owners to hold assemblies, which Wong described as a progressive move to safeguard the public's right to peaceful assembly. 'Unfortunately, enforcement agencies continue to defy this legal shift,' he added. Wong further revealed that Mandiri had received reports of a student's vehicle being doused with a liquid suspected to be chemical near the rally site. Mandiri is calling for an immediate investigation into the alleged provocations and sabotage targeting rally participants. The group also urged authorities to guarantee the safety and democratic rights of participants at future public gatherings. Wong affirmed that Mandiri stands in full solidarity with all rally participants who spoke out against corruption, demanded accountability, and advocated for a fairer future.
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Activist warns of youth manipulation amid rising politicisation ahead of Sabah polls
Aksyah Nasrah KOTA KINABALU (June 22): As Sabah gears up for its 17th State Election, activist and local political observer Aksyah Nasrah has voiced concern over what he described as a growing trend of university students and youth being exploited by opposition parties for short-term political gain. He described the development as alarming, particularly as respected institutions like Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are being pulled into politically motivated movements. 'UMS was established to educate and shape the future of Sabah's youth, not to be misused as a political tool under the guise of integrity and anti-corruption. Is this what UMS was originally founded for?' he questioned in a statement issued Sunday. Aksyah also doubted the sincerity of those participating in recent protests, claiming their actions do not reflect the values and character of UMS students or the cultural norms of Sabahans. 'If we observe the facial expressions of those in the recent demonstration, many of them are not genuine UMS students and certainly do not represent the spirit of native Sabahans,' he alleged. He went on to reveal screenshots, purportedly from WhatsApp conversations, suggesting that participants were paid RM50 each to join the protest — raising serious questions about the authenticity and integrity of the organisers. 'If it's true that participants were paid, then clearly this is not about integrity or anti-corruption. It's about quick gains and personal interest. Sadly, the damage done may be long-lasting,' he said. Aksyah went so far as to describe the movement as part of a broader anarchist agenda that could threaten Sabah's social harmony and political stability, warning of long-term consequences for the state. He also took aim at a group of students who had lodged police reports allegedly insulting the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) of Sabah. 'What's most disappointing is that some of these individuals aren't even from Sabah. They come from outside the state yet insult the TYT, who is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. We have never interfered in their home states, but now they are trying to burn down ours,' he said. Aksyah described their actions as not only disrespectful but potentially inflammatory, especially with the state election looming. 'The real question is — who is behind all this? What's the motive behind the slogans about integrity and reform? These are not spontaneous actions but coordinated, agenda-driven moves meant to destabilise and incite public unrest,' he claimed. He also expressed appreciation for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the GRS-PH Plus government, crediting them with maintaining development momentum and political stability under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap. 'Objectively, the State Government under Hajiji's leadership has charted a clear path forward. There is no real reason for students or outsiders to protest. Their actions only serve to derail development efforts,' he said. Aksyah stressed that political stability and unity are vital for progress, and that disruptive acts must cease for the good of Sabah. 'If we want to earn respect and achieve success, we must prioritise stability and unity as our foundation. If this situation continues, our hopes of uplifting the dignity and future of our people will remain out of reach,' he concluded.
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Warisan says not involved in demonstration organised by students
Azis KOTA KINABALU (June 22): Parti Warisan has distanced itself from the 'Himpunan Gempur Rasuah 2.0' held in Kota Kinabalu during the weekend, stressing that the event was entirely student-led and not affiliated with any political party. Its information chief, Datuk Azis Jamman, clarified that the peaceful demonstration was solely organised by Suara Mahasiswa Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), who had consistently emphasised that no political party should be involved in their initiative. 'Parti Warisan was not involved in any capacity, in organising the demonstration,' Azis said in a statement issued on Sunday. 'We respected the students' clear and consistent position that no political party should be involved in their event,' he added. According to Azis, he had publicly reiterated the party's stance through an official statement on his verified Facebook page, denying any endorsement or participation by Warisan. Nonetheless, Azis stressed the need to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly for all Malaysians, including Sabah's youth and students, so long as such gatherings remain within the boundaries of the law. 'Parti Warisan had reminded all our members that they were not to wear any clothing bearing the Warisan logo if they chose to attend. They were to do so in their personal capacity, not as representatives of the party,' he explained. To ensure compliance, Azis said he had personally dispatched officers to monitor the gathering. 'I can confirm that no Warisan symbols or party materials were displayed throughout the assembly,' he said. On the burning of banners on the second day of the event, Azis denied any involvement by Warisan members. 'From what we understand, it was initiated by students themselves, and we trust that enforcement agencies, particularly the Special Branch, would have documented the individuals involved. Let the authorities verify the facts based on evidence,' he said. Reiterating that the rally was organized by Gerakan Mahasiswa UMS, Azis said any Warisan members who were present attended in their individual capacity, particularly on the first day of the protest. 'It is important that we remain fair and accurate in attributing responsibility, and not politicise youth-led civil movements that express legitimate concerns about integrity and governance,' he said. Azis also commended the students of UMS for their courage in taking a stand against corruption. 'We applaud this civic maturity. We need more independent civil society movements, such as Gerakan Mahasiswa UMS, to act as third-force validators, holding those in power accountable. Fighting corruption is not just the duty of the authorities or politicians, but a collective responsibility of all Malaysians. Everyone must play their part,' Azis said.
