KOTA KINABALU, June 24 (Bernama) -- 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 said the prime minister’s message was conveyed to the university to ensure that any disciplinary action taken would not jeopardise the students’ future, particularly their opportunity to complete their studies at UMS.
“Just now, the Prime Minister called me and we discussed the matter. He requested that UMS students involved in the recent incident not be expelled from the university. For the Prime Minister, although they may have made a mistake, their future and education are more important and must be prioritised.
“This reflects the Prime Minister’s compassion. Even though he was the main target during the incident, he conveyed his hope to me that the university would not expel the students involved,” Zambry said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the “In Person With Doc Zam” programme in conjunction with the Malaysia MADANI Nationhood seminar at UMS here today.
Yesterday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said that the rally participants are being investigated for nine offences, including incitement, open burning in a public area, possession of hazardous corrosive substances and raising sensitive issues related to royalty, religion, and race or 3R.
The rally, held on Saturday (June 21), was organised by the student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS. The participants marched around Kota Kinabalu city carrying placards highlighting issues such as corruption and water supply in Sabah, and also burned a caricature of Anwar.
UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor earlier said that 13 UMS students identified as taking part in the gathering may face disciplinary action under the Universities and University Colleges Act (Amendment) 2012 (AUKU), including suspension or expulsion.
Zambry, meanwhile, said that while Malaysians, including students, have the constitutional right to assemble, such actions remain subject to existing laws and regulations.
“These rights must also comply with laws related to civil order, public safety and others,” he added.
He said UMS had provided a full briefing on the matter, and the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) is leaving the decision to the university, which will act according to existing regulations.
-- BERNAMA
