Sabah student defends anti-corruption rally, reminds leaders of past protests
KOTA KINABALU: A Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student has defended the recent anti-corruption protest and symbolic act of burning a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, pointing out that Anwar once led similar demonstrations during his university days.
In a Facebook post, final-year student Fadhil Kasim reminded the public that when Anwar was a student leader at Universiti Malaya, he had also led a protest where he and others burned a book written by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
'At that time, they believed the book was 'submersive', so Anwar and his group held a protest and even burned the book in public,' Fadhil wrote.
Fadhil said today's student protesters are being unfairly criticised by Anwar's supporters, including groups like Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) and Angkatan Muda KeAdilan (AMK), who seem more interested in pleasing the Prime Minister than standing up for the people.
He added that the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 Rally at Lintasan Deasoka in Gaya Street over the weekend, where he and a friend burned a caricature of Anwar, was to highlight issues like corruption in Sabah and the water problems affecting students at UMS.
'People were quick to attack our actions and talk about morals and manners. But they ignored the bigger issue, the people's problems and corruption,' he said.
Fadhil said he believes Anwar might understand their actions if he remembered what he used to do as a student activist in the 1970s.
'But that is just wishful thinking. The truth is, Anwar is now the Prime Minister, not a student anymore,' he said.
Fadhil also pointed out that when Anwar was in the opposition, he often visited Sabah and spoke about issues like corruption, logging, poor roads, and Sabah's rights.
'Now it is different. He seems more focused on keeping the GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) government strong in his Madani administration … even though GRS is facing major corruption scandals,' he said.
Fadhil ended his post by identifying himself as 'the student who burned the caricature of Anwar,' and included the line: 'Madani: Protector of Sabah's corrupt.'
He also added a black and white photo of Anwar, and several others, in an act of setting fire to some items on the floor.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Success Of 13MP Depends on Proper Coordination Of Every Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the success of implementing the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) depends on the proper coordination and preparedness of every government ministry and agency. Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said that every administrative machinery must move in a spirit of unison as one national team to realise policies rooted in reality and meet future demands. "The 13MP was drafted following continuous discussions among ministries, central agencies and state governments over the past few months,' said Anwar, who chaired the Special Cabinet Meeting to review the framework and key initiatives of the 13MP today.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Kyrgyz President To Visit Malaysia To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) – Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov will undertake a two-day official visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday, during which he will hold discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors. In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said Zhaparov will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya on Tuesday (June 25). Zhaparov will have a bilateral meeting with Anwar where both leaders are expected to deliberate on strengthening bilateral cooperation, including in trade and investment, renewable and green energy, the halal industry, agricommodity, tourism, education, as well as capacity-building assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). bootstrap slideshow The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. 'The visit underscores the cordial relations between Malaysia and the Kyrgyz, founded on mutual respect and close cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992,' the Foreign Ministry stated. In honour of Zhaparov and his delegation, Anwar will host an official luncheon at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. The President will also undertake a brief tour of Parlimen Malaysia. This marks Zhaparov's first visit to Malaysia since assuming office in January 2021. The visit is to reciprocate the official visit by Anwar to the Kyrgyz in May 2024. The President will be accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Zheenbek Kulubaev and senior government officials. In 2024, Kyrgyz was Malaysia's 4th largest trading partner among the Central Asian countries, with total bilateral trade of RM40 million (USD8.74 million).
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (June 23, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar approval rating rises to 55% on the back of economic, political factors, says Merdeka Center * Lee and Anwar discuss FTA, expanding South Korea-Malaysia cooperation, reports Yonhap * Basic needs exempted from revised SST to protect vulnerable households, says Treasury sec-gen * DPMs, Cabinet ministers convey condolences over death of Sarawak Premier's wife * PM Anwar extends condolences over passing of Sarawak Premier's wife * High Court stays freeze order on Na'imah's assets * Video clip case: MACC calls in another Sabah politician * Investment scam ring busted, 10 nabbed in Puchong raid * 17 Malaysians evacuated from Iran return home * Sabah government backs wildlife film to boost tourism * Tax, transport and juice: Triple blow could spike imported fruit prices, traders warn * Nine-year-old girl dies from alleged abuse in Melaka * CIMB revises 2025 GDP forecast to 4.3% on trade easing, stronger US ties * Govt aims for 200,000 individuals to be discharged from bankruptcy in 2025 * Hadi Awang showing strong recovery after heart procedure, says Terengganu MB * Malaysia continues to strengthen public service as people's needs evolve, UN forum told * Sarawak govt monitoring military aircraft incident at Kuching International Airport / RMAF confirm aircraft CN-235 experienced nose landing gear issue A number of suspected drug smugglers are presented to the media during a press conference at the Indonesian Customs Office in Jakarta, on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the uncovering of some 172 international drug smuggling cases from April to June 2025, with a total of 285 suspects arrested. -- Photo by ADITYA IRAWAN / AFP Singapore: * Important to continue nurturing trust and understanding, Singapore PM Wong tells Chinese Premier * Singapore Airlines cancels all flights to Dubai until Wednesday amid Middle East conflict * 11 Singaporeans have left Iran since start of conflict, says foreign ministry * Singapore could host Fifa youth competition, says Fifa chief Gianni Infantino * 'Les Miserables – The Arena Spectacular' marches into Singapore next March * Singapore's annual core inflation rate 0.6% in May, matching poll forecast * Singapore thanks Malaysia and Oman for evacuating citizens from Iran * UK aircraft carrier docks at Marina Bay Cruise Centre * Young people in Singapore carrying weapons as 'fashion accessory': Counsellor * Singaporean actress Hong Ling leaves honeymoon planning to husband Nick Teo * Testing the waters across Causeway - Singapore semiconductor company UMS Integration Ltd's impending secondary listing in Bursa Malaysia Indonesia: * Indonesia arrests 285 in drug crackdown and seizes over half a ton of narcotics * Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy * Indonesia probes second bomb threat on Saudia haj flight * Aceh-North Sumatra dispute triggers wider border tensions * Indonesia weather agency revises outlook, shorter dry season in 2025 * Extradition hearing for Indonesian businessman Tannos begins in Singapore * Asian stocks, currencies dip as Iran conflict sparks risk aversion * Oil prices spike after US strikes on Iran / Oil hits five-month high after US hits key Iranian nuclear sites Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference about policies to curb scam centers in Cambodia after a meeting at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2025. -- Photo: Government House of Thailand via REUTERS. Thailand: * Thai authorities seize more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth over US$90.8mil * Embattled Thai PM reshuffles cabinet as political crisis rages in country * Thailand bans Cambodian motorbikes at all checkpoints * Thailand heads into political turbulence as Cambodia row festers * Thai embassy in Jordan warns Thais amid Iran-Israel crisis escalation * Army says Cambodia amassing troops and heavy weapons along border * Thai PM taps military figure for defence minister * Thai PM rejects calls to step down over border row Philippines: * 'There's no case', Philippines VP Sara Duterte now wants Senate to dismiss impeachment case * Philippine VP Duterte responds to impeachment trial summons * Singer Ronnie Liang alarmed after scammers used his identity to ask money, court women * Senator bats for labour reforms as Philippines still in 'worst countries for workers' list * Construction worker Cardong Trumpo wins 'Pilipinas Got Talent' season 7 * Philippine VP Duterte criticises Marcos for leaning towards US * Asia - Shares slip, oil rises as investors weigh Iran risks Protesters shout slogans as they condemn the recent bombings of the US against Iran during a rally in Quezon city, Philippines. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Vietnam: * World's youngest self-made woman billionaire Lucy Guo says craving work-life balance means you're in wrong job * Police uncover drug syndicate in Johor, two Vietnamese women among arrested * Hanoi business closures driven by concerns over counterfeit goods * Downpour claims two lives in northern Vietnam * Vietnam's star tech firm VNG still planning US IPO * Beijing expresses concern over major trade routes through Gulf Myanmar: * Malaysia urges Asean-OIC collaboration on Myanmar crisis * Global media should report accurately on aggression against Iran, says IRNA * Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran * Myanmar UEC chairman unveils plan to use voting machines nationwide in upcoming election * Oil prices stable as investors await Iranian response to US strikes This pool photo taken and released on Monday, June 23, 2025 by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) shows Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) greeting people who voluntarily evacuated from their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border to a safety centre in Preah Vihear province. -- Photo by POOL / AFP Cambodia: * Cambodia and Thailand now shut land crossings as border row worsens * Cambodia bans fuel, gas imports from Thailand from midnight Sunday * Manet: Thailand must re-open borders before bilateral talks can take place * Cambodia claims Thai cyclists violated temple agreement * Cambodia PM orders halt to fuel imports from Thailand Laos: * Laos focuses on reducing dropouts and advancing education among young children * Luang Prabang charts bold tourism vision to become regional standout * Laos and South Korea launch medical university project in Vientiane Brunei: * Brunei-based law professor ranked among the world's top legal scholars * Nationwide Recycling Day concludes World Environment Day 2025 celebrations * Royals take the plunge at record-breaking coral planting School children prepare to lay flowers at a memorial to those who died to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture on Monday, June 23, 2025. The three-month battle, often dubbed the -- Typhoon of Steel --, killed about 200,000 people, almost half of them local civilians. - Photo by JIJI Press / AFP AseanPlus: * Malaysian doctor highlights Semporna's stateless kids in London photo exhibit * Malaysia determined to be a film tourism destination * RM8mil CBT trial of Vivy Yusof, husband to begin on April 13, 2026 * Public tip-off leads to capture of fugitive rape suspect in Sibu * Maybank extends first green loan to fuel Charoen Pokphand's RE expansion in Malaysia * China warns of 'spillover of war' risk in Iran-Israel conflict * South Korea's Lee names first civilian defence minister in decades * Beijing issues weather warning for hottest days of year * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * Air India cuts less than 5% of narrowbody jet routes, suspends two international flights * Afghan police discover arms, ammunition * Stone carving discovered in Qinghai stirs debate * China says US attack on Iran has damaged its credibility * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * From bingsu to sashimi, popularity of cup foods going strong in South Korea * Australia says it supports US strike, calls for return to diplomacy * New Zealand's 'golden visa' scheme lures US investors * Actress Nashi accused of 'faking' records to take gaokao * Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba to skip NATO summit, source says * Tokyo voters punish Japan ruling party ahead of national election * Japan factory activity returns to growth after 11-month contraction, PMI shows * PETRONAS LNG, Japan's Jogmec partner to expand collaboration in LNG sector * Restaurants and food firms switching to noodles in Japan * India to see limited inflation fallout from oil * South Korea's Lee says Middle East situation is "very urgent" * Repatriation of human skeletons from Netherlands underway * IAEA says entrances to tunnels at Iran's Isfahan site hit by US strike * Iran's Fordow nuclear facility hit by Israeli attack, local official says * This madcap 10-storey-high rural 'nail home' is attracting visitors in China * Hague NATO summit aims to focus on Trump's spending goal but Iran looms large * Iran's parliament looking to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog - IRNA * Exclusive-Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces could come soon, U.S. officials say * Any Iranian closure of Hormuz Strait would be 'extremely dangerous', EU's top diplomat says * Pakistan condemns Trump's bombing of Iran - a day after nominating him for Peace Prize * South Korean artiste DJ Soda shares hair loss nightmare after bleaching mishap: 'I had to shave my head' * Frontman may get 'Squid Game' spinoff, Lee Byung-hun tells Jimmy Fallon * Golf -- Aussie Minjee Lee keeps her cool to bag third Major title at KPMG Women's PGA Championship
