PETALING JAYA: Electoral reform group Bersih has criticised the burning of a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim by a student organisation at the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally, saying it shifts attention away from the gathering’s core anti-corruption message.
Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said that gatherings must prioritise decorum and public safety to ensure participants do not behave in an unruly manner.
“It’s important so that the main message of the rally doesn’t get diverted from its original aim, which is to fight corruption.
“The key takeaway should be the participants’ call for the government to show a real commitment to combating corruption,” he told FMT.
Over 100 participants were reported to have taken part in the rally organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in Kota Kinabalu, which began at around 1pm last Saturday and continued until 11am the following day.
The rally was held to demand action against the Sabah water department over prolonged disruptions at the university campus, but drew backlash after ending with the burning of Anwar’s caricature.
Several quarters, including leaders from Anwar’s party PKR, criticised the action as excessive and disrespectful.
Wanita PKR executive council member Siti Norffinie Yassin was among those who voiced concern, saying that while student activism played a key role in keeping the government accountable, protests must not cross the line of cultural norms and civility.
Meanwhile, Faisal said the people had high hopes that the government would fulfil its reform pledges, including ensuring that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is independent and accountable.
He said delays in prosecuting individuals involved in corruption scandals in Sabah risked undermining public trust in the authorities.
“The government must also expedite its promise to separate the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, and to table the political financing bill as a game-changer in the fight against corruption,” Faisal said.
Police have launched an investigation into the burning of the caricature under the Sedition Act and Penal Code.
UMS vice-chancellor Kasim Nor was reported by the Daily Express as saying that 13 students from the university who were identified at the rally might face disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.
He said that of the 13, only two were involved in the caricature burning.
He added that a disciplinary committee comprising appointed academics would be formed soon to investigate the matter and determine appropriate action under the Universities and University Colleges Act 2012.
The committee is expected to summon each student individually for their explanation of the incident, which occurred on Sunday.
