Latest news with #SuaraMahasiswa
The Star
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Burning of PM caricature 'desperate stunt' due to lacklustre turnout, says PKR division chief
KOTA KINABALU: The act of burning a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the recent Suara Mahasiswa rally has been described as a desperate stunt to regain attention after a lacklustre turnout. Tuaran PKR division chief Razeef Rakimin condemned the act, calling it a misdirected and hazardous attempt to provoke. 'This was a desperate attempt to gain attention after the mobilisation failed. The demonstration on Saturday only drew about 50 to 80 people, and the burning of the caricature the next day was clearly a stunt aimed at the wrong target,' he said in a statement on Monday (June 23). The caricature, set alight during the second day of the 'Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0' protest organised by students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), was supposedly intended as a symbolic jab at the Prime Minister, labelling him a protector of corruption in Sabah. Razeef said that although the group had a right to protest — something he and Sabah PKR have supported from the beginning — their methods have become increasingly problematic. 'Since their first protest on water issues, and then Gempur Rasuah 1.0 and now 2.0, we have been consistent in defending the right to demonstrate. The police have also allowed their rallies as long as they follow the law,' he said. 'But their approach is off. Instead of mobilising the rakyat, they resort to mockery and extreme ridicule, which turns people off. Their antics come across as distasteful and even childish.' He said one incident during the Saturday rally saw participants roughing up another protester who held a placard demanding an investigation into the alleged RM1.5bil leak — a contradiction to the rally's anti-corruption message. 'Police managed to keep the peace despite provocation. One officer was even shouted at simply for asking to see an ID. It's within a police officer's rights to request identification, yet the demonstrators treated him disrespectfully,' he added. Razeef also questioned why the Prime Minister became the target, pointing out that Anwar had approved a RM3mil allocation to help resolve UMS's water woes after hearing students' complaints. 'The PM didn't pocket a single sen from that project. So why burn his caricature instead of targeting the actual individuals accused of corruption?' he asked. He further highlighted that the burning itself was poorly executed and dangerous. 'After two failed attempts, the banner still wouldn't burn. One participant nearly caught fire when another foolishly lit the petrol while it was still being poured. This was not about cleaning up after - they endangered public safety at Gaya Street, which had tourists and weekend visitors.' 'The public backlash has been strong, not because of their anti-corruption message, but because of the sheer recklessness and disrespect shown. Corruption isn't part of our culture, but neither is extremism and vandalism.' Police have said investigations are ongoing into the banner burning, which may fall under sedition or other related laws.
The Star
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah cops to probe Gempur Rasuah 2.0 Rally
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police have opened three investigation papers involving nine offences linked to the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 gathering held over the weekend here. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun ( pic ) said some of the offences fall under the 3R category (race, religion and royalty), and investigations are being carried out under several laws, primarily the Penal Code and Sedition Act. 'Among the offences were incitement, burning materials in public areas, and bringing hazardous items such as fuel to the gathering. 'These are among the 16 conditions outlined by the Kota Kinabalu district police chief that the organisers were required to comply with,' he said at a press conference on Monday (June 23). Jauteh explained that the conditions were intended to ensure the gathering proceeded without disrupting public order or posing safety risks. 'We are not saying that they definitely violated the conditions, but we are investigating reports of possible legal breaches, not merely the act of assembling itself,' he said. Asked whether the organisers, comprising Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students under the banner Suara Mahasiswa, had misled police when submitting their rally notice, Jauteh said the students had not provided accurate information. 'They claimed it was unusual for police to respond with conditions, but they should have understood, especially with legal counsel present, that our actions were in line with the Peaceful Assembly Act,' he said. He clarified that the police response was not a form of approval, but an acknowledgement of the notice submitted, along with conditions necessary to ensure the safety of the public and participants. 'The organisers submitted the notice five days before the event, and within three days, police replied through the district police chief, Asst Comm Kasim Muda, outlining the 16 conditions. 'The aim was to assist, not to suppress. Our presence during the procession was to prevent any untoward incidents,' he said. Despite the organisers describing the event as peaceful, Jauteh said failure to comply with certain conditions had triggered investigations. 'Although police did not take immediate action at the time, this does not mean no action will follow,' he noted. He stressed that if any actions during the assembly breached the law, police will investigate and submit the findings to the Attorney General's Chambers for further action. Several individuals, including participants, members of the public, and police officers involved in monitoring the event, are currently being called to provide statements. On a separate matter, Jauteh said police are also investigating a report that several students' vehicles were splashed with acid. The case is being probed under Section 500 of the Penal Code. When asked whether other groups were present at the scene, Jauteh confirmed that at least one other group was in the area. 'We are investigating the extent of their involvement, particularly individuals identified by the public as wearing white shirts,' he said. He added that the crowd was scattered, making it difficult to determine the exact number of participants, but the focus remains on Suara Mahasiswa.
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Two student rallies in KK highlight diverging views on governance and corruption
UMS students making their way to Lintasan Deasoka during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): Two peaceful rallies were held simultaneously in the state capital on Saturday, each delivering contrasting messages on governance and student concerns. The first rally, involving nearly 200 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students from the Suara Mahasiswa group, was held under the banner of Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, an anti-corruption movement. The second rally, staged by around 50 individuals from Mahasiswa Dan Anak Muda Sabah, voiced support for the State Government and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Noridi (front) and members of Mahasiswa Dan Anak Muda Sabah showing their support for the State Government. The UMS student group began their rally in front of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall before marching through Wisma Sabah, Wisma Merdeka, Segama Complex and Sinsuran Complex. Their demonstration concluded for the day at Lintasan Deasoka, where they planned to camp overnight before ending the protest at noon on Sunday, June 22. According to Suara Mahasiswa president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim, the rally was not aimed at attacking the government, but rather to denounce corruption and unjust governance. Their key demands include: Legal action against the State Water Department over ongoing water supply issues at UMS, a full reform of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner appointment process, harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of bribery and public dissatisfaction with the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the Sabah Head of State, citing his controversial past About 350 meters away at Taman Chong Thien Vun, near the old Kota Kinabalu Court House, the second peaceful gathering unfolded. Led by Noridi @ Noraidi Maya, the group expressed support for Chief Minister Hajiji and the State Government. Noridi clarified that their event was not a counter-rally but a separate show of solidarity. He highlighted various forms of government assistance received by students, such as the Sentosa, BUDI and SUBSIDI programs. Addressing the ongoing mining corruption scandal, Noridi said it was best to let authorities conduct their investigations and advised fellow students not to speculate on matters beyond their understanding. He also noted that infrastructure issues, including water and electricity, have been longstanding problems currently being addressed. On the appointment of Tun Musa as Head of State, Noridi said the matter is settled and should be respected.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Two rallies with two messages taking place in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: Two peaceful rallies are being staged in nearby locations over the weekend, each conveying different messages. The first rally involves university students mainly from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), non-governmental organisations and supporters. The second, a smaller group claiming to be university students and their supporters, is also taking place in the city. The UMS group is holding the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, protesting against corruption, unfair administration, and the failure to deliver basic infrastructure and necessities such as water. They are also continuing their year-long criticism of Tun Musa Aman's appointment as the Head of State. UMS student group Suara Mahasiswa president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim said the rally is not against the government but opposes corrupt and unfair governance. It is also a call for the youth to voice their dissatisfaction and concerns when something is wrong with the government. They began their rally in front of the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and initially refused to leave despite security guards' requests, so as not to disrupt mall-goers and road users. However, they relented after being informed that the rally was legal, with police approval and certain rules in place. The Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally is set to continue at several checkpoints until Sunday (June 22). The other movement, Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (Gammas), held a demonstration lasting less than 30 minutes at Chong Tien Vun Park nearby. Representative Noridi @ Noraidi Maya said they are not staging a counter-rally against the UMS students but showing solidarity and support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He stated that students received benefits and aid from the government, such as the Sentosa, Budi, and Subfly assistance. Regarding the ongoing mining scandal, he said it is best to leave investigations to the authorities, as students are unsure of the details and proceedings. On issues of water, electricity, and infrastructure such as roads, Noridi said these are decades-old problems currently being addressed. Other matters discussed included the proposed Political Funding Act and the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the Head of State. 'We urge the federal government to expedite the passing of this Political Funding Act to prevent issues such as mining and related matters from recurring,' he said. Noridi stated that the TYT's appointment is final and should not be questioned further. He called on students and the public to move on from this matter to protect the sanctity of the royal institution.
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
UMS students to hold rally again
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Fadhil (third from right) with fellow student activists holding up their statement on the upcoming Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally. Kota Kinabalu: UMS students are set to take to the streets again, with Suara Mahasiswa planning a second major anti-corruption rally, 'Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0,' on June 21 and 22, to demand accountability from those in power and push for systemic reforms. The two-day protest aims to highlight long-standing issues like the ongoing water crisis at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), which the group described as a symbol of failed governance and a 'humiliation' of students' basic rights. Advertisement 'Students have had to bathe using bottled water, check into hotels just to clean themselves, and spend their own money to cover the failures of the state Water Department,' said the group's leader, Fadhil Kasim. Suara Mahasiswa, which organised the first Gempur Rasuah Sabah rally on Dec 31 last year, along with the 'Kami Mahu Air' rally earlier in 2024, urged UMS to take legal action against the Water Department. They accused the department of forcing students to endure harsh conditions on campus and spend their own money just to access clean water. 'The department has gone unpunished for too long,' he said. Advertisement The group also called for a complete separation of powers in the appointment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, criticising the current system where the Prime Minister directly appoints the MACC chief as politically compromised. They also demanded stricter anti-corruption laws, including mandatory suspension for any minister, elected representative, or senior official charged with corruption. They proposed caning as a punishment for serious corruption offences, describing this as a necessary deterrent to combat what they called a deeply entrenched culture of corruption. They also accused officials of trying to 'suppress student voices' through 'intellectual intimidation' and public statements that create fear among potential protesters. 'Stop making cowardly and stupid statements that intimidate the public and create a false narrative about our rights,' one speaker said, directly challenging senior officials. They said the exact locations for the rally would only be disclosed five days before the event to prevent potential disruptions. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
