Two rallies in Kota Kinabalu split over corruption claims and support for CM Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU, July 4 — Two separate marches took place in the state capital today, with one led by student activists calling for greater accountability over corruption allegations in Sabah, while another gathered in support of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

About 50 people, mostly university students and civil society activists, took part in an anti-corruption march named Gempar Rasuah 3.0, organised by Suara Mahasiswa, while a separate pro-government gathering of about 100 participants moved along a different route through the city before ending at Kota Kinabalu City Park.

The anti-graft rally was joined by Warisan’s Kepayan assemblyman Chin Tek Ming and Likas assemblyman Tham Fun Fook, while speakers at the pro-Hajiji gathering defended the state government and criticised opposition Parti Warisan during a roughly 40-minute programme delivered from a mobile stage.

The student-led protest began at Suria Sabah shopping mall before moving through the city centre, passing Wisma Merdeka and crossing the Segama pedestrian bridge en route to Todak Waterfront.

Protesters carried banners, placards, loudspeakers and megaphones while chanting slogans including “Bangkit, bangkit” (rise up) and “tolak rasuah” (reject corruption), as well as singing songs denouncing alleged corruption among political leaders. They also highlighted long-standing issues affecting Sabahans, including recurring water and electricity disruptions.

Meanwhile, the pro-government gathering followed a separate route through the city, attracting a slightly larger crowd. Participants later stopped outside Kota Kinabalu City Park, where speakers addressed supporters from a mobile platform.

Much of the speeches focused on defending Hajiji’s leadership and criticising Parti Warisan over its handling of state issues and its attacks on the current administration.

Speaking to reporters before the anti-corruption march, student activist Akmal Rizal insisted the demonstration was independently organised by students, youth activists and civil society members.

“Today, students, young people, NGO representatives and Sabahans have taken to the streets to declare our stand that we reject corruption in all its forms in this state,” he said.

Suara Mahasiswa president Fidaa’ Ahmad Fahmi denied allegations that organisers had received political funding, saying they were prepared to face investigations if such claims proved true.

“We are ready to be investigated if there is evidence we received funding. But we also ask those making these allegations whether they are prepared to be investigated themselves,” he said.

The organisers outlined four demands during the rally: the immediate prosecution of the 11 Sabah assemblymen implicated in the state’s corruption allegations; the expedited implementation of a Political Financing Act; the eradication of nepotism and cronyism in government appointments and projects; and the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into alleged misconduct involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Fidaa’ said Sabah’s corruption allegations reflected broader concerns over governance and accountability.

Although organisers had initially hoped for a larger turnout, Fidaa’ said participation was not the only measure of success.

Both gatherings proceeded peacefully under police observation, with organisers of the anti-graft rally saying participants would remain at Todak Waterfront overnight as part of their protest, while the pro-government gathering dispersed after speeches concluded.