Sabah leaders are being questioned over their silence on the New Year’s Eve anti-corruption protests, with activist group Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now (SEEN) founder Duncan Cheng blasting the government for ignoring public outrage.

“The silence from the state government is deafening,” Cheng said in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday.

University students from Suara Mahasiswa UMS staged the protest outside Menara Kinabalu on December 31, demanding action over leaked videos allegedly showing GRS leaders taking bribes for mining licenses.

Cheng took aim at Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, saying his remark that all political parties receive funds “is no excuse for bribery.”

“If these deals were ethical, why suppress peaceful protests?” Cheng asked.

He also questioned the timing of Karnival Ria Kinabalu, held the same day, calling it a government attempt to distract from the protests.

“This carnival undermines Sabahans’ right to peaceful assembly,” he said.

“If the government has nothing to hide, why avoid transparency?”

SEEN is urging Sabah’s leaders to meet with youth groups and address corruption through public forums.

“The government must involve citizens in shaping a corruption-free future,” Cheng added.

He warned that continued silence would erode trust and drive away Sabah’s top talent.

“The state government must act before it’s too late,” he said.

Activists vowed to continue pushing for transparency, despite government pushback. — January 3, 2025