25-06-2025
Expel them and demand resignation of UMS Vice-Chancellor: G57
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 Text Size: Zulkarnain distinguished Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia, saying while traffic disruption and burning portraits of national leaders might be common practice over there, it is absolutely not acceptable in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) called for the expulsion of all Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students who participated in the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 anti-corruption rally, claiming their actions have tarnished the university's reputation. The G57 also demanded the resignation of UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Md Mansur over the controversial incident that saw the students burning a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the rally on June 21. 'The G57 hopes that all student participants in the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 organised by the Suara Mahasiswa UMS will be expelled from the university as they have clearly tarnished the good name of the university,' said G57 Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar in a statement, Tuesday. Despite the Prime Minister's statement against expelling the students, Zulkarnain insisted that the law must take precedence. He said allowing such actions to go unpunished could set a dangerous precedent for future incidents in Sabah. Zulkarnain distinguished Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia, saying while traffic disruption and burning portraits of national leaders might be common practice over there, it is absolutely not acceptable in Sabah.
Advertisement The rally, which took place in the city centre, caused traffic congestion and drew criticism from many quarters. The Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally involved more than 100 participants protesting various issues including corruption and water supply problems in Sabah, culminating in the controversial act of burning a caricature of the Prime Minister. Zulkarnain criticised the UMS management for what he termed a delayed response, saying that the university should have lodged a police report beforehand to prevent the demonstration from taking place in the city centre. He noted that G57 had repeatedly opposed such gatherings, anticipating chaos due to the apparent involvement of Parti Warisan leaders and members. 'This violent culture cannot be accepted in Sabah, therefore as a form of lesson, the UMS Vice-Chancellor should resign and UMS students involved in the demonstration should also be suspended and removed from the university,' Zulkarnain said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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