Sabah youth activists released, to file complaint against DBKK

The eight Sabah youth activists nabbed for a peaceful demonstration this morning were released by police at 5pm.

Sabah Amanah Youth chief Khairuddin Daud, who was among those arrested, told Malaysiakini that he believed there would be no follow-up action by police.

He also clarified that it was Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) that the group scuffled with.

"The police gave us good cooperation while the investigation was ongoing. We are only uneasy with DBKK's attitude.

"Tomorrow we will lodge a police report on DBKK's aggression," he said when contacted.

The group had earlier protested outside the DBKK building, making 10 demands including the resolution of the long-standing statelessness issue in Sabah, the security of its borders, as well as the overall issue of poverty.

Malaysiakini earlier quoted one of the arrested activists, Asrin Utong, as claiming that police had manhandled the protesters in an attempt to disperse the rally. 

In a live video shared by another of those arrested, NGO Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang, protesters can be seen in a brief scuffle with DBKK and police officers after refusing to obey an order to end the rally.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman earlier took time to meet the youth activists. 

"I was given the assurance that they would be released soon and the allegations of violence against them would be investigated," he had said on Twitter.

Amanah Youth vice-chief Shazni Munir Mohamad Ithnin condemned the arrests.

The Malay Mail, however, quoted Warisan deputy minister Azis Jamman as saying that the protest was "unnecessary" as the new government is open to facilitate discussions on any concerns raised.

He also reportedly chastised Khairuddin for failing to know better than to hold a protest without a permit.

Khairuddin replied by thanking Azis for being responsive but differed in his opinion.

"That was a demonstration by students and youths. We leaders should come down and listen to them.

"We can't act like it's the BN-era. By arresting and preventing protesters, that's not right. We leaders should instead facilitate (peaceful demonstrations)," he said.

-Mkini