GEMPUR RASUAH SABAH 2.0: STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BE DETAINED

GEMPUR RASUAH SABAH 2.0: STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BE DETAINED

By ; Khairul Faizi bin Ahmad Kamil

Recently, Sabah drew national attention when several UMS students at the “Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0” gathering burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Their purpose was clear: to protest the ‘Madani’ government's failure to address corruption in Sabah, an issue that has long plagued the state.

While their actions may seem radical, the spirit behind them is rooted in freedom of expression. As long as the law is not violated and social decorum is respected, students have every right to be part of a healthy democratic culture. Criticizing a leader is one thing, but raising one's voice to demand reform should not be criminalized.

The students claim that their act was a criticism of hypocrisy, talks of integrity, yet no firm action against corruption in Sabah. As an ordinary citizen, I see them playing the role of “crowd-whistleblowers,” reminding those in power not to become complacent. Detaining them without due analysis or dialogue only shows a fear of youth voices. It would be better to give them space.

I do not support any kind of protest that descends into chaos. If someone were to burn an image while shouting profanities, that would clearly cross the line of decorum. However, merely lighting a caricature on fire during a peaceful gathering is hardly a serious crime. The police were given peaceful notice, the protest involved students and local political parties, and it ended peacefully. There was no violence or extreme incitement, so to proceed with arrests seems excessive.

If we assign investigators, collect statements, and assess the legal implications, that’s understandable. But if students are detained purely for expressing democratic spirit, I believe it will severely damage the relationship between the people and the government. Let us not allow academic freedom in higher education institutions to be dismantled.

Students have every right to voice out, so long as they abide by the law and societal norms. Because to me, our country needs more space for freedom not fear of the youth’s voices. Freedom must be paid with respect, responsibility, and honest dialogue. Let us not allow a caricature and a small flame be the excuse to silence voices that have long called for change.

KFAK