The student group behind the Gempur Rasuah Sabah rally in Kota Kinabalu last year is now planning another peaceful assembly next month.
The two-day protest, scheduled for June 21 and 22, called Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 aims to pressure authorities to act on unresolved corruption issues in Sabah, including the state’s long-running water supply crisis, said Suara Mahasiswa UMS.
They described the gathering as a warning to political elites and government institutions they accuse of failing the people.
“This is not just a protest. This is a loud and clear warning to those who continue to destroy Sabah for personal gain,” said Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Fadhil Kasim in a statement on Saturday night.
The group held its first Gempur Rasuah Sabah on December 31, last year and were also behind the Kami Mahu Air rally mid last year.
Among their key demands is for UMS to initiate legal action against the Sabah State Water Department (JANS), over what they called a “humiliation” of students’ basic rights due to water disruptions on campus.
“Students have had to bathe using bottled water, check into hotels just to clean themselves, and spend their own money to cover the failures of JANS,” Fadhil said, adding that no one had been held accountable to date.
The group also called for a total separation of powers in the appointment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, describing the current system as “rotten” and politically compromised.
Referring to the reappointment of Tan Sri Azam Baki as MACC chief despite past controversy, Fadhil questioned why the government continued to recycle tainted individuals when “Malaysia has 35 million citizens.”
They also demanded tougher anti-corruption laws, including mandatory suspension for any minister, elected representative, or senior official charged in court for graft. The group also proposed caning as a punishment for serious corruption offences.
Another key demand is to reject the appointment of former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman as Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, describing it as a betrayal of anti-corruption efforts.
“Musa Aman is not a symbol of integrity. He represents the old era of cronyism, corruption, and oppression,” Fadhil said.
The student group strongly denied allegations that they were being used by any political party.
“We are not tools. We are not puppets. We are not political stooges,” Fadhil stressed. “We will not allow any political party, government or opposition, to hijack this movement.”
“We are loyal to the people, not to politicians.”
The June assembly is expected to draw participation from students, activists, and members of the public concerned about corruption and governance in Sabah. – May 18, 2025
