Kota Kinabalu: Opposition Parti Warisan denied any involvement in organising the controversial Himpunan Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally where a caricature resembling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was burned in public – believed the first such incident in the nation.
Warisan said the gathering was entirely organised by the student group Suara Mahasiswa UMS, apparently in response to questions being raised by netizens over a Warisan leader seen in the company of the youths in the viral video.
In a statement, Sunday, Warisan Information Chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman said it was not involved in any capacity in organising the demonstration and respected the student organisers’ position that no political parties be involved in their event.
“The peaceful assembly was fully organised by Suara Mahasiswa UMS and we respect their clear and consistent position that no political party should be involved in their event,” Azis said.
To ensure no party representation at the rally, Warisan had instructed members not to wear clothing bearing the party logo if they chose to attend in their personal capacity. Azis said he deployed officers to monitor the event and no Warisan symbols or party materials were displayed during the gathering.
Regarding the banner burning incident on the second day of the rally, Azis said there was no involvement from Warisan members in that act and that it was initiated by students themselves.
Azis defended citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and praised the UMS students for their civic engagement against corruption.
“I congratulate the students of UMS who were bold enough to stand up against corruption while complying with the legal process in organising the event,” he said, calling for more independent civil society movements to hold those in power accountable.
His clarification comes amid speculation about political party involvement in the student-led anti-corruption demonstration.
