GRS calls for calm as Zara rallies spark political row

GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has called for calm after rallies held in memory of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir on August 31 drew political controversy and police scrutiny.

Thousands gathered across Sabah on Sunday night under the Justice for Zara Rally 2.0 banner, demanding accountability over the schoolgirl’s death.

But what began as a public expression of grief and anti-bullying has since turned political, with Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah members filing police reports against one of the speeches delivered.

The complaints centred on a 42-second video clip of a Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student’s remarks, which they alleged were insulting and seditious.

On Monday night, leaders from Apas, Sri Tanjong and Tanjung Batu divisions lodged the reports in Tawau.

The student, identified as Aliefah Aida, was called in for questioning on Tuesday afternoon.

Bangkuai said the matter should be left to the authorities, but stressed that the government shared the public’s concerns over Zara’s case.

“Well, if you are saying that a report has already been lodged, then we leave it to the authorities to investigate.

“What matters is we are all concerned with these issues. And as the Chief Minister has said, the government is also very concerned with these bullying cases. He sees this as a very serious matter,” he told reporters in Kota Kinabalu.

He acknowledged the anger on display but urged people not to let emotions overshadow the judicial process.

“Investigations have been carried out and now we have the inquest. So I think we leave it to the authorities to get to the bottom of this.

“And if possible, we also stay calm. I am sure a fair investigation is being carried out,” he said.

Meanwhile, Student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS condemned the police action, saying citizens in mourning should not be targeted.

Their statement came in view of their colleague Aliefah Aida being called in for questioning at the Tawau police station around 1pm today.

“Peace is not achieved by arresting grieving citizens, but by those who dare to uphold justice, protect the young from bullies and ensure the law does not bow to the influential.

"…If justice only sides with the elites, then the people can only find strength when they are united,” it said in a statement. - September 2, 2025