Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has called for all parties to practice restraint in handling students involved in a recent Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, warning that punitive action could permanently derail their futures.

Zambry urged institutions and authorities to approach the situation with a balance of accountability and compassion, following public backlash over the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally held over the weekend.

The protest, led by Suara Mahasiswa UMS, culminated in the burning of a placard depicting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim — a symbolic act meant to pressure the government into addressing alleged corruption in Sabah’s mining sector.

“Even though we know what happened, let’s not get to a point where their future is abruptly closed off due to the actions they took,” Zambry told reporters after attending the ‘In Person with Doc Zam’ program held in Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Tuesday. 

He added that the Prime Minister, despite being the subject of the protest imagery, had also expressed concern over the students’ wellbeing and hoped they would not face expulsion or academic penalties.

“He wants them to continue their studies, complete their education, and achieve a career — because that will determine their future,” Zambry said.

The comments come amid speculation that Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) may take disciplinary action against the students, following reports in local media citing internal discussions at the university.

The university in an official statement made no mention of any expulsion over the incident but had distanced itself, and condemn the action of its students. 

They also lodged a police report on the matter. 

Three individuals — two UMS students and one activist — were arrested on Monday and questioned for nearly nine hours. 

They are currently being investigated under the Sedition Act and the Penal Code. 

All three have been released on police bail but are required to return for further questioning on June 26.

UMS has yet to comment publicly on whether formal disciplinary proceedings will be initiated. 

when approaching reporters after the ‘In person with Doc Zam’ program held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Tuesday. 

Zambry added that Anwar Ibrahim, though personally targeted in the protest imagery, had also expressed concern for the students’ wellbeing and urged for their academic journey to continue.

He said both himself and Anwar wish the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to expel the students following local media reports that they plan to do so following the burning incident. 

“He wants them to continue their studies, complete their education, and achieve a career — because that will determine their future,” Zambry said.  – June 24, 2025