SUARA Mahasiswa UMS said they do not want politically-linked individuals to be part of their upcoming two-day anti-corruption rally on June 21.
They said in a statement that the planned Gempur Rasuah Rally 2.0 must remain independent and people-driven.
“We remain firm in preventing any political party from interfering in the rally’s movement, including its organisation, the use of images or party identities, and so on.
“As we announced during the press conference, any individual or grassroots member with party affiliation is welcome to join, but only in their capacity as citizens of Sabah and Malaysia who are equally affected by the deeply rooted corruption in our country.
Detailed guidelines on what can and cannot be done during the rally are currently being prepared in the form of posters by the media and publicity unit,” said Suara Mahasiswa UMS leader Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim.
This is the third time the student group would be organising a rally being the first one called KamiMahuAir in June last year and Gempur Rasuah Sabah on December 2024 and the upcoming Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0.
The group faced public scrutiny with allegations that their rally was politically motivated. A claim they have denied.
Fadhil said they are in the midst of finalising rally guidelines, including what participants can and cannot display.
They said no party, including those in opposition to the state government, is involved in the planning or narrative of the rally.
Fadhil also said they have sent outreach notices to over 300 individuals and organisations, including activists, musicians, independent media, and rural communities.
Briefings with university lecturers are also ongoing.
The organisers said they will notify the police and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) ahead of the rally.
A press conference will be held five days before the event to announce the route and gathering point.
“No matter what your background is, this is about Sabahans and Malaysians speaking out against corruption,” he said.
The rally will take place over two days in Kota Kinabalu on June 21-22. - June 12, 2025
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