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Nearly 50 marchers today embarked on Sabah's 60km ‘Idle No More' walk from Tambunan to Penampang, calling for the protection of indigenous rights and clean and fair elections in the country.

According to Sabah activist Andrew Ambrose, the group gathered as early as 8am and started their three-day walk at 10.45am.

NONE Sending them off were some 500 Sabahans, including several leaders from DAP, PKR, Parti Star and Sabah Progressive Party.

Ambrose said no BN leaders were present, although they had also been invited to the event.

"Before their send-off, Mercy Malaysia gave a health briefing and the Catholic, Muslim and Buddhist communities conducted prayers," he told Malaysiakini when contacted.

He said there were also 15 participants from the peninsula and from Himpunan Hijau.

The walk brands itself as a ‘people's campaign’ to provide a platform for ordinary Sabahans to voice their concerns on various issues prior to the next general election.

The organisers have also released a declaration demanding good governance, environmental protection, recognition of indigenous rights, fairness to all and clean and fair elections.

The journey will take the walkers past the Crocker range and arrive at Dewan Pegansakan, Penampang on Sunday.

Cops keep distance 

Ambrose said a police car was spotted during the send-off at the Tambunan Market and the several uniformed officers observed them from afar.

"So far there has been no untoward incident," he said, adding that the marchers were expected to reach their first stop at 12.30pm

Later the group stopped by Tambunan Secondary School for their Muslim participants to perform Friday prayers.

“No police have followed us. We can take care of our own safety; we have people in charge of that,” said Ambrose. 

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