Justice For Zara Rallies Dwarf State National Day Sabah Day Gatherings

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Kota Kinabalu's city centre ground to a near standstill on Sunday evening as two major events converged, drawing tens of thousands across the state capital.
Sabah hosted its National Day parade and the Sabah Day celebrations, while the “Justice for Zara 2.0” rally also happened simultaneously on Aug 31.
Whilst all three events drew attention, it was the Zara rally, part of the “Himpunan Solidariti 2.0”, that dominated, both in sheer numbers and significance.
Traffic throughout the central business district remained gridlocked for hours, exacerbated by the long weekend and Monday's replacement holiday, which freed many to attend.
Sabah Day was officially gazetted in 2024 to commemorate the state's journey towards self-governance on Aug 31, 1963, just weeks before Malaysia's formation.
The date now coincides with the country's National Day, which marks independence in Peninsular Malaya in 1957.
Though intended to complement each other, this year's commemorations unfolded beneath the shadow of a grassroots movement demanding justice for the 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Earlier in the day, several thousand people lined Jalan Tun Fuad for the National Day parade, a visibly smaller crowd than the previous year.
By evening, the Sabah Day celebration at Padang Merdeka also attracted a modest turnout.
Both events were attended by Sabah Governor Musa Aman, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan, and other state government members.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and several state cabinet members accompanying governor Musa Aman to officiate the Sabah Day celebration last nightHowever, about 4km away, tens of thousands packed the expansive car parks near the Likas Sports Complex for the “Justice for Zara” rally, completely overshadowing the official celebrations.
Parallel rallies in Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and Tawau reinforced the impression that the movement had grown considerably since its early August beginnings.
ADS‘No justice, no Merdeka’
Observers suggested the stark contrast in attendance may have been influenced by the slogan "No justice, no Merdeka" that circulated widely on social media in the lead-up to the holiday.
"This year, the crowd was not as big as the year before. It's probably because of the Zara rallies. I went for both Sabah Day and National Day last year, but this time the rally was so big it went viral online," an attendee who only wanted to be known as Aisyah told Malaysiakini.
At the Likas rally, 29-year-old Ahmad Syukri emphasised that the movement transcended mere numbers.
"This is not a headcount contest. What matters is the message. The Zara rally carries more weight because it speaks to a failure of the system.
"We want a Sabah and a Malaysia that is fair and just, where no child should have to die this way," Ahmad said when met.
Zara, a student from Papar died on July 17, following what was described as months of alleged bullying.
Her death triggered grief, anger, and urgent questions about whether teachers, administrators, and authorities had failed to act upon repeated complaints.
Her case swiftly became symbolic of broader frustration over institutional neglect, from schools accused of ignoring warning signs to state agencies perceived as sluggish in their response.
Her funeral also drew large crowds, and by early August, vigils were being held across the state.
Online, the hashtag #JusticeForZara spread rapidly, galvanising youth groups, parents, and rights advocates.
Zara Qairina MahathirAn inquest into her death is scheduled to begin on Wednesday (Sept 3), with her mother, Noraidah Lamat, recognised as an interested party in the proceedings by the Kota Kinabalu Coroner's Court.
A total of 70 witnesses, including the pathologist who conducted the post-mortem on the Form One student, will be called to testify at the inquest into the teenager’s death, Bernama reported the Attorney-General's Chambers as saying.
Five-year development plan
At Padang Merdeka, Hajiji used his Sabah Day address to defend the government's five-year development plan, Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
"All the promises and plans under the SMJ agenda have been carried out. Even with the criticisms and accusations, this government has remained firm in carrying out the mandate given by the people," he said.
He argued the plan had helped lift Sabah from its worst economic crisis in 2020.
"Sabah has now emerged as a rapidly developing state.
"From relying solely on natural resources, we are now expanding tourism, plantations, forestry and petroleum as key drivers of the economy," he added.
Hajiji also highlighted substantial investments in education and youth.
"More than RM1.3 billion was spent from 2021 to 2024 on education and youth development. This investment ensures that Sabah's young generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills and competitiveness to face the future," he said, concluding with an appeal for unity.
"This year's Sabah Day theme, ‘Untukmu Sabah Tanah Airku’ (For You Sabah My Homeland), carries a deep meaning. That the state's future is in our hands. Let us work together to keep Sabah progressing, prosperous, and united," Hajiji said.
Kitingan adopted a more reflective tone in his public address.
"We must not be divided as we were in history, because division kept us colonised. If we want freedom in all things, even in our minds, we must unite, we must cooperate, and we must fight," he said, cautioning against repeating past divisions. - Mkini

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