THE Sabah government’s silence to anti-corruption protests on New Year’s Eve has drawn criticism from Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now (SEEN) founder Duncan Cheng, who accused state leaders of ignoring public outrage and suppressing dissent.
“The silence from the state government is deafening,” said Cheng in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday.
“They are turning a blind eye to the voices of Sabahans demanding accountability.”
The protests, organised by university students under the Suara Mahasiswa UMS banner, took place outside the Sabah State Administrative Centre, Menara Kinabalu on December 31, last year.
They have among others demanded action after leaked videos allegedly showed Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders accepting funds from a businessperson in exchange for mining licenses.
“Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s claim that ‘every political party receives political funding’ is not a defence for bribery.
“If these deals were ethical, why go to such lengths to suppress peaceful protests?” he said.
Cheng also criticised the Karnival Ria Kinabalu, a carnival organised by the Sabah Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) the same day, which was announced merely days before the student rally.
“This carnival appears to have been a deliberate attempt to distract from the protests. It undermines the right of Sabahans to peaceful assembly. If the government has nothing to hide, why avoid transparency and accountability?”
SEEN has urged the government to engage youth leaders in public forums to address corruption and propose reforms.
“The government must prioritise integrity and involve citizens in shaping a corruption-free future,” said Cheng.
He warned that continued inaction would erode trust in democracy and drive away Sabah’s brightest talents.
“The state government must act now before it’s too late,” he said.
Despite the obstacles, Suara Mahasiswa UMS and other activists have vowed to continue their fight for accountability and transparency in Sabah. – Jan 3, 2025
