Kota Kinabalu: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) leaders have urged all parties to respect the legal process and refrain from using demonstrations as political tools that could undermine the State’s stability.
Gagasan Rakyat Kapayan Division Chief Datuk Stephen Jimbangan said the participation of several Parti Warisan leaders in the Himpunan Aman Suara Mahasiswa UMS 3.0 rally last week showed a lack of respect for the legal process and could potentially disrupt Sabah’s political stability.
He said the involvement of political leaders in the gathering created a perception that issues still under investigation and action by the authorities were being politicised for certain interests.
“Such actions do not contribute to a stable and mature political environment in Sabah.
“All parties, particularly political leaders, should set an example by respecting the legal process and allowing enforcement agencies to carry out their responsibilities independently, transparently and professionally,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Stephen said allegations relating to a mineral mining cartel in Sabah, including claims of attempts to monopolise mineral resources, should be investigated and determined based on evidence and the rule of law, rather than through political pressure or street demonstrations.
He also claimed that the Himpunan Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 rally organised by Suara Mahasiswa UMS and Bersih on July 4 and 5 received a poor response, with fewer than 100 participants attending.
According to him, several Parti Warisan leaders, including Kapayan Assemblyman Chin Teck Min and Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook, were seen taking part in the demonstration march last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Gagasan Rakyat Kiulu Division Deputy Chief Datuk George Teo said the people of Sabah had given Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor the mandate to continue leading the State’s development agenda for the benefit of the rakyat.
“Any irresponsible attempt to undermine the State’s political stability will only be detrimental to the people.
“We call on all parties to cease efforts that could heighten political tensions and avoid any actions that may erode public confidence in enforcement institutions and the nation’s justice system,” he said.
Teo stressed that political stability, respect for the rule of law and the interests of the people of Sabah must always take precedence over the political interests of any party.
