Volunteer leader lodges police report over anti-graft rally

Jerry showing a copy of his police report.
KOTA KINABALU (June 18): A prominent state volunteer has lodged a police report against an upcoming public rally, citing concerns over alleged external political influence and potential threats to public order.
Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said, the former president of the Association of Honorary Members of the Malaysian Volunteers Association (RELA), filed the report at the Tanjung Aru Police Station at 3.19pm on Tuesday. The report pertains to the 'Perarakan Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0,' scheduled to take place on June 21 and 22.
The gathering, which is expected to proceed from Suria Sabah shopping centre to Lintasan Deasoka, is reportedly organized by a group called Suara Mahasiswa UMS, led by Fadhil Kasim and several associates.
Despite the rally being promoted as a 'peaceful' march, Jerry expressed doubts over its true nature and intentions.
'I believe there are elements of sedition and external influence, possibly involving opposition parties attempting to use students for their narrow political agenda,' he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He emphasized that using university students—particularly from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)—for political purposes is unethical and risks damaging the reputation of higher education institutions.
'Students should uphold intellectual and academic ideals, not serve as tools for street protests driven by vested interests,' he added.
Jerry also voiced concerns about the rally's impact on public peace and safety, highlighting the potential for disruptions to businesses in the city center, provocation by extremist groups, and the risk of racial or religious tensions.
In light of these concerns, he urged the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to investigate the rally's organizers and financial backers to determine whether external political elements are involved.
'We in Sabah are known for our rationality and respect for the rule of law. Street demonstrations are not part of our culture,' he stressed.
Jerry also called on parents and the wider community to remain vigilant and not be misled by political propaganda or emotionally charged narratives targeting the youth.
'Sabah needs unity and stability, not disruptive street activities that jeopardize the harmony we've nurtured for so long,' he concluded.
Organisers of the 'Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0' anti-corruption rally are expecting around 10,000 participants, including students, activists and NGOs from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, to turn up in solidarity with their cause.
Their spokesperson said the student-led movement had submitted a formal notice to the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters (IPD), as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act.
The rally organisers are making several key demands, including legal action against the State Water Department over the UMS water supply fiasco, a complete reform of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner appointment process, harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of giving or receiving bribes and public dissatisfaction to be voiced over the current Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, due to his controversial past.

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