POLICE have issued a warning ahead of a potential confrontation between two student-led gatherings set to take place at the same location in Kota Kinabalu today, stressing they had only received notification from one of the rally groups.
District police chief Kasim Muda confirmed today that police had not received any official notification from organisers of the Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (GAMMAS) rally, which is scheduled to begin at 2pm at Lintasan Deasoka.
“There was no notification submitted to the police,” Kasim said when asked whether GAMMAS had sought permission.
The GAMMAS gathering, a self-described show of support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the GRS-PH state government, is expected to take place at the exact location where the Suara Mahasiswa UMS-led ‘Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0’ rally will already be underway.
The UMS student group plans to begin a march at 1pm from Suria Sabah mall, culminating at Lintasan Deasoka, where they are scheduled to hold an overnight sit-in to protest corruption.
Kota Kinabalu police have officially approved the Suara Mahasiswa UMS rally.
A reply letter issued on 18 June and signed by Kasim confirmed that the student’s gathering may proceed under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, provided organisers follow regulations and avoid topics related to race, religion, and royalty.
“Your party is also advised not to touch on 3R issues — religion, royalty, and race — to prevent any racial or communal sentiment,” the letter states.
However, the GAMMAS group has openly admitted it does not have police permission to hold its counter-rally.
GAMMAS adviser Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said: “A permit was already applied for… Even if not approved, they’ll still go ahead. I’m just the adviser. My advice was to apply and just proceed. If it’s wrong, we’ll see each other in court.”
Police, meanwhile, made it clear that public safety and legal compliance are their top priority.
In a separate media statement released at 5pm today, the police listed 12 offences that could arise from unauthorised gatherings — including illegal assembly, incitement, obstructing civil servants, and the participation of minors — all of which carry fines and possible jail terms.
“The Royal Malaysia Police reminds the public not to take part in any form of assembly, procession, or demonstration held on 21 June 2025 without complying with provisions under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012,” said Kasim.
The student-led Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally said they are prepared to proceed peacefully, while expressing concern over the sudden scheduling of a counter-rally at the same location.
They are planning a 24-hour march, rally and sit-in at the location.
Both events are expected to draw significant attention as they take place shortly after the official Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s birthday parade on Saturday morning — and in one of Kota Kinabalu’s busiest weekend zones.
The Gaya Street night market and the street fair will be held in the morning.
Police have urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding and not be swayed by any form of provocation.
“The police will not prevent anyone from speaking or assembling peacefully — as long as it is done legally, in an orderly manner, and in compliance with existing laws,” said Kasim. - June 21, 2025
