THE organisers of three planned gatherings at the Sabah administrative centre on New Year’s Eve will be summoned by police to explain their events.
Kota Kinabalu police chief Kasim Muda said that Suara Mahasiswa, Gerakan Bangkit Sabahan, and the Unit Pembangunan Masyarakat (UPPM) Sabah will meet with police this morning.
“The public should refrain from attending these events as none of the organisers have obtained permission from Kota Kinabalu City Hall, which is the venue's owner," he said.
Kasim added that Suara Mahasiswa has not met all the requirements to hold their rally.
Suara Mahasiswa announced on Dec 21 plans to hold a “Peaceful Assembly to Combat Corruption in Sabah” at 2 pm, protesting alleged corruption and abuse of power by ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders.
On December 23, Gerakan Bangkit Sabahan scheduled its “Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan: Pertahan Hak Sabah, Kami Bersama Hajiji” rally at the same time and location to show support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Meanwhile, UPPM Sabah, a community unit under the Chief Minister’s Department, will host the Karnival Ria Kinabalu from 10 am to 6 pm at the same venue. The event will feature lucky draws and prizes.
Concerns have been raised over potential clashes between all three parties.
Previously, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin expressed his concerns, stating, “The situation could lead to extreme provocations and disrupt public order.”
Civil rights group Cahaya Society has backed Suara Mahasiswa, with chairman Asrin Utong saying, “We stand with these students because they represent the voice of Sabahans who are tired of the normalisation of corruption.”
However, GRS Youth urged the students to rethink their plans, warning, “Street protests may disrupt public harmony and tarnish Sabah's reputation as a peaceful and harmonious state.” - December 27, 2024
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