Kota Kinabalu: Participants of the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally are being investigated for nine offences related to the peaceful assembly held last Saturday (June 21), Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said. He stated that the offences include incitement, open burning in a public area, possession of dangerous or corrosive substances during the rally, and raising sensitive issues involving royalty, religion, and race (3R).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, investigations are being conducted not only under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 but also under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Penal Code. As of now, six police reports have been received related to this case, and three investigation papers covering nine offences have been opened. There were incidents during the rally that should not have occurred.
‘No arrests have been made so far, but beginning today, several individuals involved will be called in to provide their statements,’ Commissioner Dikun mentioned during a press conference at the Sabah Police Headquarters. The rally, organised by Suara Mahasiswa Universiti Malaysia Sabah, included a march through Kota Kinabalu and placards highlighting issues in Sabah, such as corruption and water supply. Participants also burned a caricature of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Commissioner Jauteh explained that the organisers had submitted a notification to the police as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. In response, police issued 15 conditions to ensure the maintenance of public order. He clarified that the Act does not approve or license rallies but outlines the procedure for police notification and response, with the objective of maintaining public order and safeguarding all involved.
He emphasized that, despite having the right to voice concerns, organisers must do so responsibly and without provocation. He urged future rally organisers to adhere to the required conditions or to use proper channels, such as direct meetings with relevant authorities, to express their views.
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Kasim Muda remarked that police had no objections to the rally, provided it complied with stipulated rules and national laws. However, he noted that only part of the police response was shared on social media, specifically the front page of the police notification, while the full list of conditions was not disclosed, leaving many participants unaware of the requirements.