With Suara Mahasiswa UMS planning to hold a rally on Dec 31 against corruption in the state, another student movement has come forward to back the former.
According to Gerakan Mahasiswa Pro-Siswa Kolej Komuniti Malaysia, Sabah has long been a victim of its corrupt leaders.
“Corruption is not only a crime but a treachery against the people. Sabah is blessed with natural resources but has fallen victim to its irresponsible leaders.
“Therefore, we are in solidarity with Suara Mahasiswa UMS and support their calls to demand justice and integrity in the state administration,” it said in a statement today.
‘Our right to uphold democracy’
Suara Mahasiswa UMS announced on Dec 20 that they would hold the rally on New Year's Eve, adding the police have accepted their notification submitted under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
“So, to all Sabahans, do not be afraid to come down and show our stand on Dec 31.
“This is our right as ordinary citizens to uphold democracy in our state,” said group spokesperson Sudirman Arsyad.
He said the rally would list several key demands, including the resignation of Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and for the MACC to expedite investigations on a corruption scandal that rocked the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led administration.
He also highlighted objections to Musa Aman’s appointment as the new Sabah governor, a development widely criticised due to the state’s longest-serving chief minister’s past corruption allegations.
On that note, Gerakan Mahasiswa Pro-Siswa Kolej Komuniti Malaysia decried attempts to undermine the students’ voices as it would only prove how the administration is afraid of the people.
“The right to assemble is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and we urge Malaysians to back Suara Mahasiswa UMS in the struggle against corruption,” it added.
Pertubuhan Mahasiswa Kongress Gombak (Congress) also voiced support for Suara Mahasiswa UMS, saying undergraduates should not confine themselves to the campus alone.
It also called upon student movements in the peninsula to organise similar rallies to show solidarity.
“Undergraduates have a moral and intellectual responsibility to voice out the people’s concerns to ensure social justice while strengthening democratic values.
“And this will strengthen solidarity among students and Sabahans to fight abuse of power and injustice,” it mentioned.
Stop tolerating corruption
Echoing the group’s sentiments, the People’s Development Centre (Mandiri) said Sabah’s long-standing corruption issues should no longer be tolerated.
“Despite video evidence being produced over the alleged corruption, no concrete action was taken under the so-called Madani era.
“In fact, Musa, who was implicated in corruption in the past and criticised by our prime minister when he was in the opposition bench, has now been appointed as the state’s governor,” it said.
The NGO then urged all those implicated in the corruption scandal to resign and be hauled up to court until their innocence is proven.
“And we also urge the police to respect the people’s right to assemble as enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.” - - Mkini
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