Police have launched an investigation into the student-led Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest after receiving six reports, including one for incitement, with the public burning of a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim among the incidents under scrutiny.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said three investigation papers have been launched covering a total of nine suspected offences, including incitement, the use of flammable materials, and the public burning of protest props.

“The police take this very seriously. What happened during the protest should not have occurred, particularly the public burning and provocative gestures in a busy public space,” he told reporters at a media briefing in Kota Kinabalu on Monday. 

The protest, held over the weekend by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student group Suara Mahasiswa, concluded with a symbolic burning of a placard featuring Anwar’s caricature and the words “MADANI: Protector of Sabah’s Corrupt”. 

The event coincided with the Gaya Street Fair and the official birthday of Sabah’s Head of State.

Jauteh confirmed that while the organisers submitted the required notice under the Peaceful Assembly Act, the police had responded with 16 conditions designed to ensure public order. 

These included safety precautions, crowd control measures, and content limitations.

“This was not an approval. There is no concept of police ‘approval’ under the law. The organisers are only required to notify the police — and we respond with conditions. Unfortunately, some of those were not complied with,” he said.

He emphasised that any breaches during a peaceful assembly — including provocative or unlawful acts — remain punishable under existing laws. 

Among the offences being investigated are violations of the Penal Code, the Sedition Act, and regulations concerning the possession of hazardous materials.

Police are also investigating whether any flammable liquids or dangerous substances were used during the protest. Jauteh said additional charges could include the possession of corrosive materials at a public gathering.

Asked whether students had misled police when submitting their protest notice, Jauteh said the organisers had not disclosed their intent to burn props or make any political statements related to the appointment of the Head of State.

“They were not transparent. And considering there were lawyers present, they should have understood the boundaries and obligations set out under the Peaceful Assembly Act,” he said.

In addition, police are investigating a separate report filed by the organisers claiming that a protest participant’s car had been splashed with a corrosive substance, possibly acid. That incident is being probed under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which relates to criminal defamation and harm.

Jauteh also confirmed that another group — believed to be supporters of the state government — was present at the scene. Their possible involvement and proximity to the student group are being reviewed.

“So far, we cannot confirm how many were truly involved, as the crowd was dispersed and included outsiders. But we are focusing on the group calling itself Suara Mahasiswa,” he said.

No arrests have been made at this stage, but police will begin calling individuals involved — including participants, organisers, and witnesses — to give their statements starting this week.

Jauteh advised students and youth activists to pursue legal avenues for dissent and engagement.

“If they want to express dissatisfaction, they can do so through formal letters, small group discussions with authorities, or press conferences. That would be far more constructive than actions that violate the law and risk their future,” he said. – June 23, 2025