Young Vs Old Sabah Students Fighting Graft Undeterred By Pro Hajiji Rally

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Organisers behind a planned New Year’s Eve rally against corruption are undeterred in the face of a counter gathering in support of Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor at the same Kota Kinabalu location.
The “Gempur Rasuah Sabah” rally secretariat described the counter “Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan” demonstration as a “provocation” to distract the public’s attention from corruption allegations against Hajiji’s (above) administration.
“The counter rally is more focused on glorifying a specific individual rather than focusing on the dignity of Sabah, which has been tarnished by a corruption crisis.
“Furthermore, the lack of clear demands and objectives of the gathering has fueled greater public rejection,” said the group.
PAA does not allow counter rally
It cited Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA) that any counter gathering must have its location, time, and venue changed by the district police chief.
On Dec 20, Suara Mahasiswa UMS announced that Kota Kinabalu police had accepted the organiser’s notice under the PAA to hold the anti-corruption rally outside the Sabah State Administration Building.
However, it was later reported that a separate group will also gather at the same time and venue, prompting Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin to urge all parties to abide by the law.
Standing firm
“Gempur Rasuah Sabah” organisers said that it would not back down.
“We would like to stress that the ‘Gempur Rasuah Sabah’ rally will proceed as planned, and this time we urge more members of the public to join this peaceful gathering.
“This rally serves as the best platform for the people to voice their concerns, express their anger, and demand justice and transparency in governance at both the state and national levels,” they added.
The rally was called following a whistleblower exposé alleging corruption by several Sabah assemblypersons, which also implicated Hajiji who heads the ruling state coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
The group added that a team of safety and health volunteers will be on standby throughout the gathering, aside from security personnel.
Yesterday, BN Youth executive council member Anil Sandhu urged both parties to cancel their rallies, saying that it is not part of the Malaysian norms. - Mkini

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