Simultaneous rallies proceed peacefully in Kota Kinabalu

 

About 200 participants of the Gempur Rasuah Sabah rally gathered at Universiti Malaysia Sabah and marched approximately 3.4km to Menara Kinabalu, arriving at 3.10pm. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The Gempur Rasuah Sabah and Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan rallies proceeded peacefully in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, today, despite being held at the same location and time.

Both rallies kicked off at 2pm in front of Menara Kinabalu, coinciding with the state government’s Karnival Ria event at the same venue.

Bernama reported that about 200 participants of the Gempur Rasuah Sabah rally, organised by Suara Mahasiswa, gathered at Universiti Malaysia Sabah and marched approximately 3.4km to Menara Kinabalu, arriving at 3.10pm.

Police personnel from the Sabah police headquarters, Kota Kinabalu police headquarters and the 16th and 21st General Operations Force battalions worked together to manage the events.

Upon arrival, police restricted their access to the Menara Kinabalu area, citing ongoing Karnival Ria activities.

Some 15 minutes later, members of the Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan rally, representing various NGOs, arrived at the location but were also stopped by the police.

Both groups were kept about 100m apart to maintain order, and proceeded with their speeches using loudspeakers, displaying placards and flags under police supervision.

The Gempur Rasuah Sabah rally raised concerns about corruption in the state, while Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan participants spoke about threats to public order and expressed support for the current state government.

Suara Mahasiswa president Fadhill Kasim said while the group was initially surprised by the heavy police presence, they appreciated that the situation was handled peacefully.

The Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan rally dispersed about an hour later, while Gempur Rasuah Sabah participants remained in the area until later in the evening. - FMT