Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to expel students involved in the recent Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said. He stated that the Prime Minister’s message was conveyed to ensure any disciplinary action would not jeopardize the students’ future, especially their academic pursuits at UMS.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry mentioned that during a conversation with the Prime Minister, Anwar stressed the importance of prioritizing the students’ education over their involvement in the rally. The Prime Minister expressed his hope that UMS would not expel the students, despite being the main target during the incident, reflecting his compassionate stance on the matter.

Zambry addressed the media following the ‘In Person With Doc Zam’ programme in conjunction with the Malaysia MADANI Nationhood seminar at UMS. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun had previously stated that the rally participants are under investigation for nine offences, including incitement and raising sensitive issues related to royalty, religion, and race.

The rally, organized by the student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS, took place on June 21 in Kota Kinabalu, where participants marched with placards on issues such as corruption and water supply in Sabah. They also burned a caricature of Anwar. UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor indicated that 13 students involved might face disciplinary action under the Universities and University Colleges Act (Amendment) 2012 (AUKU), including possible suspension or expulsion.

Zambry emphasized that while the right to assemble is constitutionally protected, it must adhere to laws concerning civil order and public safety. He noted that UMS had provided a comprehensive briefing on the incident, and the Higher Education Ministry will defer to the university’s decision, which will be based on existing regulations.