Eight arrested in Sabah for protest on Malaysia Day (Updated)

KOTA KINABALU: Eight activists were arrested after they staged a protest at Gaya Street here on the morning of Malaysia Day (Sept 16).

According to The Malay Mail, Mukmin Nantang, one of those detained, claimed that the police acted aggressively towards them although they were about to disperse.

He alleged that the police hit them and their rough handling caused rips in their clothes during the arrest at about 10am on Sunday (Sept 16).

The 9am rally was organised by several student groups including Gagasan Mahasiswa Merdeka and was joined by almost 100 participants.

The eight arrested activists, including Sabah Amanah Youth chief Mohd Khairudin Daud, were taken for questioning at the Karamunsing police station and were released at 5pm Sunday after police completed recording their statements.

Sabah Bersih chairman Beverly Joeman said the peaceful assembly was aimed at raising awareness and to urge the government to look into and solve 10 issues affecting Sabah.

These include education, poverty, native land, citizenship, housing, security, environment and job opportunities," she said.

She added that the alleged actions of the police were not right, which "should have changed with this new government".

Kota Kinabalu police chief Asst Comm Habibi Majinji said a probe will be conducted on allegations that police used unnecessary force during the arrest.