Around 50 march in Sabah anti-corruption rally, 1k at counter protest

Summary

• Some 50 people march in the student-led anti-corruption rally while thousands show support online.

• A news report indicates that some 1,000 people gather for a counter rally to support Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

Some 50 people gathered for the “Gempur Rasuah Sabah” student-led rally that started with a march from Gerbang Universiti Malaysia Sabah towards the state’s administration building at Menara Kinabalu.

Organisers from Suara Mahasiswa UMS led the march at around 2pm, viewed live by thousands who voiced their support on the group’s official TikTok account.

The TikTok live feed also received up to three million “hearts” as a symbol of support.

The marching crowd raised placards with anti-corruption messages that targeted Sabah governor Musa Aman, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and various state politicians.

They were also heard questioning Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to eradicate corruption, chanting, “Reformasi, sudah mati (Reform is dead)”.

The group eventually reached their gathering spot near Menara Kinabalu where rally leaders, including activist Mukmin Nantang, kept up their anti-corruption chants.

Among others, the protesters took a jab at Musa’s name with cries of “Musa! Musa! Tidak Aman!” and labelled him as the “Raja Koruptor!”.

“In a democracy, other than voting, the people also have a right to peacefully demonstrate!,” stressed Mukmin.

Counter rally

Separately, Sin Chew reported the "Sabahans Rise Up" counter rally in support of Hajiji started at around 2pm with some 1,000 people from various ethnic communities.

The gathering proceeded in an orderly manner without any disruptions.

Participants enthusiastically chanted slogans such as "Support Hajiji" and "Support Sabahans Rise Up".

Malaysiakini learnt that former Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) chief executive officer Jontih Enggihon was among those in attendance at the student-led rally.

“It is hoped this rally will bring greater awareness to the public in general and Sabahans in particular.

“I don’t want to touch on politics because this demonstration is not political,” said Jontih who was implicated in the state’s recent corruption scandal and later claimed to possess evidence to substantiate his abuse of power allegations against Hajiji.

Suara Mahasiswa UMS had announced plans to remain at their gathering location until past midnight, with a line-up of events including public discussions.

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