UMS students condemn 'Sedition Act arrests' after vigil for Zara

Summary

• Group criticises alleged arrest of students for attending a vigil for Zara Qairina Mahathir, saying it’s a space for mourning and solidarity, not a crime.

• Suara Mahasiswa UMS also condemns political parties for “exploiting tragedy” to portray themselves as guardians of security.

A Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student group has criticised the alleged arrest of its members under the Sedition Act 1948, after they attended a vigil for 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, whose death was linked to bullying.

In a statement today, Suara Mahasiswa UMS pointed out that a vigil was a space for mourning and solidarity, not a crime.

“Yet, the authorities chose to silence the people’s voice with outdated laws, as though the candles we light are more dangerous than the culture of bullying that robs lives," the group said.

It also condemned political parties that purportedly "exploited this tragedy to portray themselves as guardians of security.”

Malaysiakini is verifying whether any arrests were made or if the students were merely called in for questioning.

As of press time, initial checks indicate that only one student has been summoned for questioning by the police.

Earlier, Tawau police chief Jasmin Hussin said they received three police reports concerning an individual who allegedly made seditious remarks against the Sabah governor during the rally.

Calls for home minister to resign

Another student group, Federasi Pemuda Kebangsaan, also condemned the police’s alleged actions and urged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to resign.

The group described the police’s probe into the student activists as an abuse of power, and urged an immediate investigation into the officials involved.

It also demanded an explanation on why the Special Branch was involved in probing students, describing these actions as beyond their official jurisdiction.

“The Special Branch is not a criminal investigation body. This abuse of power shows how the Madani police have strayed from their original role. Students should not be victims of intimidation, especially through illegal channels.

“Their actions clearly violate proper investigation procedures, and also goes against fundamental human rights principles,” it said in a statement.

The group further called for an immediate end to police intimidation, and for all parties to respect the legal rights of students to freely express themselves.

‘Justice for Zara’ rally

On Aug 31, Kota Kinabalu's city centre ground to a near standstill as Sabah hosted its National Day parade and the Sabah Day celebrations, while the “Justice for Zara 2.0” rally also happened simultaneously.

While all three events drew attention, it was the Zara rally, part of the “Himpunan Solidariti 2.0”, that dominated, both in sheer numbers and significance.

Parallel rallies also took place in Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and Tawau.

"Zara today, who tomorrow? If justice only sides with the elite, then the people are left only with the strength of unity. The voice of solidarity cannot be silenced," Suara Mahasiswa UMS said.

Claims of VIP links

Suara Mahasiswa UMS lamented that the public was also unsettled by allegations that one of the students accused of bullying Zara is linked to Sabah Governor Musa Aman.

"If true, then the arrest of ordinary citizens merely showing solidarity, while individuals accused of involvement remain free, proves the existence of double standards within our justice system.

“This not only wounds the hearts of the people, but also erodes trust in institutions that are supposed to protect us all,” the group said.

Previously, allegations surfaced that the said accused is the daughter of Musa's son-in-law, Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Arifin Arif, which the latter denied.

“The truth is, I have no daughter by that name and none of my children studies at the said secondary school,” he said.

Zara, a student from Papar, died on July 17, following what was described as months of alleged bullying.

Her death triggered grief, anger, and urgent questions about whether teachers, administrators, and authorities had failed to act upon repeated complaints.

Her case swiftly became symbolic of broader frustration over institutional neglect, from schools accused of ignoring warning signs to state agencies perceived as sluggish in their response.

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