Warisan has firmly denied any involvement in organising the recent Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest in Kota Kinabalu, distancing itself from the student-led movement following attempts by several pro-government social media pages to link the party to the rally.

Warisan information chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman said the peaceful assembly, which included an overnight sit-in and a march through the city centre, was fully organised by Suara Mahasiswa UMS — a student collective that had made it clear no political party should interfere or participate officially.

“Parti Warisan was not involved, in any capacity, in organizing the demonstration. 

“We respected the organisers’ firm stand that no political party should be associated with their event,” he said in a statement from Kota Kinabalu on Sunday. 

His response comes amid a wave of online speculation, particularly from accounts aligned with ruling parties in Sabah, which have circulated posts implicating Warisan in the protest. 

Images of the party’s legal adviser Chin Teck Ming also making the rounds on social media in the attempt by pro-government pages to link Warisan with the said student rally. 

When contacted, Chin made it clear he and his group took part in the rally in their own personal capacity. 

Azis clarified that while some Warisan members may have attended the rally, they did so strictly in their personal capacity and without party representation. 

“We had already reminded all our members not to wear any clothing bearing the Warisan logo.  

“To ensure this directive was followed, I personally deployed officers to monitor the event, and I can confirm that no Warisan symbols or party materials were displayed throughout the gathering,” he said. 

On the burning of banners with one bearing the drawn image of the Prime Minister during the rally’s conclusion, Azis denied any Warisan involvement, stating that the act appeared to have been initiated solely by the student organisers.

“We trust that enforcement agencies, particularly the Special Branch, would have documented the individuals involved. Let the authorities verify the facts based on evidence,” he said.

Azis emphasised that while Warisan was not part of the rally, the party defends the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, a right that extends to all Malaysians, including students and youth.

“It is important that we remain fair and accurate in attributing responsibility, and not politicise youth-led civil movements that express legitimate concerns about integrity and governance,” he said. – June 22, 2025