Latest news with #UniversitiMalaysiaSabah
Sinar Daily
a day ago
- Science
- Sinar Daily
Bornean elephants are not pygmies, expert clarifies
Bornean elephants are smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. 27 Jun 2025 09:05am A Bornean elephant was seen grazing on wild napier grass along the Kinabatangan River, which serves as its migration route, during a recent survey. Photo by Bernama KINABATANGAN - The idea that Bornean elephants are related to the ancient pygmy elephants is a misconception, says elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, who clarifies that no such pygmy species ever existed in Sabah. "The term 'pygmy' was popularised through a scientific publication in 2003, likely to attract public interest. However, it needs to be corrected to prevent confusion,' she told Bernama. Dr Nurzhafarina, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, explained that the Bornean elephants are indeed smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but noted that calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. "True pygmy elephants were much smaller, about waist-high to humans and are long extinct,' she said. She urged the public and media to stop using the term 'pygmy' when referring to Bornean elephants, stressing that this misnomer overshadows their unique status as a distinct subspecies. Some tourists were seen observing several Bornean elephants foraging along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, which serves as their migration route, during a recent survey. Photo by Bernama "The Bornean elephant, classified as Elephas maximus borneensis, is a special treasure unique to Sabah. Mislabeling them risks undermining their conservation,' Dr Nurzhafarina added. Currently, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated 250 individuals remaining in the Kinabatangan area. Dr Nurzhafarina noted that ongoing research into the elephants' genetics, behaviour and habitat needs is critical for their protection. "Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths, is key to effective conservation efforts,' she said. The conservationist also highlighted efforts to address human-elephant conflicts through habitat restoration and experimental food corridors but emphasized that education and accurate information are just as important to securing the elephants' future. "The story of the Bornean elephant should be one of pride and preservation, free from confusion and misrepresentation,' she concluded. - BERNAMA
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
UMS students and activist released on bail after rally
KOTA KINABALU: Two Universiti Malaysia Sabah undergraduates and an activist, arrested in connection with the recent Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally were released on police bail on the same day. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun confirmed their release on Thursday (June 26) but did not provide further details. 'They were released on bail on the same day,' he said briefly when contacted. It is understood that Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim and Aliff Danial Badrul Akmal Hisham were arrested under the Sedition Act 1948 when they arrived at the Kepayan police headquarters to lodge a report about an incident where Fadhil's car was allegedly splashed with acid on Saturday (June 21). Their arrests followed a peaceful overnight rally over the weekend led by UMS students, who gathered to protest against corruption and long-standing issues such as poor infrastructure and water supply woes in the state. The rally drew controversy after participants burned placards depicting a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the final day.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anwar reflects compassionate leadership
KUALA LUMPUR: A student protest in Sabah has evolved into a national reflection on the values of democracy, youth activism and compassionate leadership. When university students in Kota Kinabalu burned a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest, many expected swift disciplinary action. Instead, the nation witnessed a powerful act of restraint — and a reminder of the reformist roots that continue to shape Malaysia's leadership today. Held from June 21–22, the protest began as a peaceful student-led gathering calling for action against corruption and to address unresolved water problems on campus. However, it escalated into controversy on its final day when some demonstrators set fire to a caricature of the Prime Minister. Rather than respond with condemnation, Anwar chose to meet the criticism with wisdom. In his June 24 daily briefing, he acknowledged the protest and reaffirmed that freedom of expression remains a fundamental democratic right. 'It reminds us of the rakyat's expectations that corruption must be eradicated to its roots,' he said. As a former student activist himself, Anwar reiterated that the freedom to speak out is protected under the Federal Constitution — but also emphasised that such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and integrity. 'The spirit for change must begin with the courage of youth to speak the truth — grounded in facts and driven by sincere intentions,' he said. 'On the part of the government, the commitment to reform remains firm and is being implemented in structured ways.' Demonstrating the Madani government's commitment to compassionate governance, Anwar instructed the Higher Education Ministry and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to take action against the students involved. 'No young person should lose their educational path and their future should not be sacrificed due to a difference in opinion,' he said. He affirmed that the government remains committed to combating corruption to ensure the prosperity and well-being of all Malaysians. This balanced approach was echoed by the National Student Consultative Council (MPPK), which issued a statement strongly condemning the act while commending the Prime Minister's dignified and compassionate response. MPPK described the burning of the caricature as 'provocative, excessive and against the values of scholarly conduct,' stating that such actions reflect a lack of rational thinking, risk disrupting public order and undermine the intellectual and respectful discourse expected of university students. However, the council praised Anwar's statesmanship, calling his decision not to impose academic penalties a meaningful gesture that reflects true leadership. 'This compassionate approach demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that no youth is denied access to education due to a misstep — allowing them the opportunity to learn and build a brighter future,' MPPK added.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Transfer UMS protest students to Peninsular, says politician
Shahril KOTA KINABALU (June 25): The 13 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students involved in the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest should be transferred to universities in Peninsular Malaysia, said a political leader. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Beaufort Youth chief Mohd Shahril Osin supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir's stance that the 13 students should not be expelled from UMS but he urged Zambry and the Ministry of Higher Education to consider more long-term action, including transferring them to Peninsular Malaysia or to their respective home states. 'We don't want incidents like this to become a culture among students who do not respect the laws of Sabah,' he said in a statement today. 'If they are not interested in studying at UMS and only see the campus as a platform for political activism, it would be better for them to be transferred to a university in their home state.' UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor had stated the 13 students could face disciplinary action under the Universities and University Colleges Act 2012, which may include suspension or expulsion. Yesterday, Anwar advised that UMS students involved in the protest should not face expulsion. He acknowledged that the students may have erred, but stressed that their education and future should remain a priority. Shahril, who is also the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Klias youth chief, claimed that most of the students involved in the protest were not native Sabahans, but rather students from Peninsular Malaysia, believed to have been mobilised under the influence of opposition parties. 'The protest clearly shows an attempt by certain parties to exploit students to create a negative perception of the state government. Some opposition leaders were even seen at the protest,' he said. He stressed that if these students were genuinely serious about fighting corruption, they should have the courage to speak out in their own states, which also face major corruption cases involving political figures, rather than turning Sabah into a ground for cheap political experimentation. Shahril also urged Zambry to take responsibility for all issues arising at UMS, including unresolved basic problems like water supply and student welfare. 'UMS deserves serious attention. We acknowledge there are logistical and infrastructure challenges, but the ministry cannot allow this institution to be continuously targeted by the frustrations of students who don't fully understand the context of Sabah's development,' he said. 'If these students claim UMS has many issues, then they should apply for a transfer to another university. We won't stop them. In fact, it's better than having them remain in Sabah while displaying disrespectful attitudes and challenging the sovereignty of the state's laws,' he opined. According to Shahril, if the students are genuinely committed to anti-corruption efforts, they should return home and work with PMX to clean up administration in their own states. 'If they truly want to fight corruption, go and march in Selangor, Penang, or Negeri Sembilan. Corruption isn't exclusive to Sabah. Don't be hypocrites,' he said firmly. He also warned that such incidents should not be taken lightly as they involve elements of provocation, defiance against the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and possibly orchestrated efforts to destabilise the state ahead of the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. While expressing support for PMX's commitment to fighting corruption, Shahril urged that the same approach be applied fairly and without double standards. 'We in Sabah also reject corruption. But we also reject destructive forms of activism. Manipulating students, exploiting their emotions, then backing away when things get tense — that is cowardice,' he said. He also called on all parties, including opposition leaders, to stop using institutions of higher learning like UMS as platforms for political propaganda, and instead to respect universities as places for gaining knowledge and shaping ethical, mature future leaders. 'UMS is a pride of Sabah. Don't tarnish its reputation with outside agendas. We want students to think freely, but not to the point of being used as tools for political interests that could destroy their own future,' he stressed. The Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest, held from June 21 to 22, saw students gather peacefully to protest against corruption and unresolved water issues on campus. However, the rally drew controversy when some demonstrators burned caricatures of the Prime Minister on the final day. Meanwhile, student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS has launched the #SABAH3 campaign, calling for the immediate release of three activists recently detained under the Sedition Act 1948. The campaign follows the arrest of their leader, Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim, member Aliff Danial Badrul Akmal Hisham and local activist Sabir Syarifuddin. In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Suara Mahasiswa UMS claimed the trio were wrongly detained for their involvement in the recent Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally. They said the two UMS undergraduates were arrested at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters while lodging a police report, after acid was allegedly splashed on Fadhil's car. 'We strongly reject this abuse of power and demand that the authorities release all three activists immediately. This is why we are launching the #SABAH3 campaign — to mobilise public support,' the group said. Parti Warisan legal adviser Chin Tek Ming, who was also summoned by police in connection with the rally, voiced his support for the students. In a statement yesterday, he confirmed giving a statement to the authorities earlier but clarified that he was not present during the caricature-burning incident. While not condoning the burning of placards, he emphasised that the students felt they had no other avenue to express their grievances.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Don't punish students over protest stunt, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Higher Education Ministry and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to hinder the academic progress of students involved in a recent anti-corruption rally, which included the burning of a caricature resembling him. Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said during the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) daily briefing that the students' actions at the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally on Saturday should be viewed in the context of youths courageously expressing their views on issues of integrity and corruption. He said the act of burning the caricature during the assembly was a symbol of unwavering reform, and as a former student activist and reformist himself, the Prime Minister consistently defends freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution. 'This incident reminds us of the people's deep hope for corruption to be eradicated from its roots. 'The Prime Minister himself emerged from the student movement and once led reformist demonstrations in the streets, so he truly understands that voice. 'He has witnessed that criticism, no matter how harsh, is an essential part of celebrating democracy,' Tunku Nashrul said, Bernama reported. The Suara Mahasiswa UMS group had organised the rally, which involved marching through Kota Kinabalu city carrying placards highlighting various issues in Sabah, such as corruption and the state's water supply. During the rally, a caricature of Anwar was set on fire. Tunku Nashrul said Anwar emphasised that the spirit of change begins with the courage of young people to speak the truth, grounded in facts and with sincere intent. 'On the government's part, the reform commitment remains strong (and) already being translated into real, actionable steps. 'This commitment will not stop here and will continue to be refined and implemented in a structured manner,' he said.
