Students to protest over Sabah’s corruption allegations, controversial governor appointment

A PEACEFUL protest led by students has been planned for Dec 31 in Sabah to challenge corruption allegations against Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders and the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the state’s new governor.

The protest targets allegations of embezzlement and abuse of power involving GRS politicians, as well as the appointment of Musa Aman, who has faced past corruption accusations, as Sabah’s governor, the protest secretariat said in a statement today.

The secretariat comprises Universiti Malaysia Sabah students Fadhil Kasim, Qistina Qaisara, Sudirman Arshad, Khairul Abidin and Fathimah Al-Haura. 

The "Peaceful Assembly to Fight Corruption in Sabah" will take place at 2pm in front of the Sabah State Administrative Office (PPNS) in Kota Kinabalu.

The group also draws public participation.

“We aim to show the seriousness of students and the public regarding corruption issues in Sabah,” a spokesperson of the secretariat said in a press conference in Kota Kinabalu.

Key demands include increased transparency from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and a review of Musa Aman’s appointment.

“He has been linked to major corruption scandals and is unfit to hold such an important position,” the secretariat said.

It also urged Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to resign, citing poor leadership and failure to address ongoing corruption allegations involving state politicians.

Organizers also stressed the non-partisan nature of the protest and refuted claims they had political backing.

“We are a student movement that sides with the people and is not backed by any political party,” the secretariat said.

The peaceful protest, described as a "symbol of people’s power," will be conducted following the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

The organizers also noted the police had been notified of their peaceful assembly and encouraged others to join.

“This is about democracy and accountability. Sabahans deserve better governance and integrity from their leaders,” the group stated. – December 21, 2024