KOTA KINABALU: Students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are organising an open dialogue with the Chief Minister’s Office and others to discuss demonstrations and democracy.
Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim said the dialogue follows a peaceful assembly held on New Year’s Eve and will be co-organised with Pertubuhan Lima Generasi (PLG) Sabah.
PLG Sabah was involved in the Bangkit Sabahan – Kami Bersama Hajiji gathering.
"We plan to organise an open dialogue on campus at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). This aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s statement that UMS provides a platform for students to discuss current issues, including corruption scandals.
"For this dialogue, we aim to invite representatives from various parties, including the Chief Minister’s Department, police, NGOs, political parties, UMS administration, and the people of Sabah, to attend, listen and engage with insights shared during the session between Suara Mahasiswa UMS and PLG Sabah," he said.
While no date has been set, Muhamad Fadhil said they hope to hold the dialogue before final exams begin on Feb 3.
"We hope this open dialogue will serve as a constructive platform for healthy discussion and contribute towards strengthening efforts to combat corruption while fostering greater public awareness," he said.
Suara Mahasiswa, comprising UMS students, organised the Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah in front of Menara Kinabalu on December 31 last year.
Following the event, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor clarified in a statement on Dec 29 that the university or any of its entities did not officially sanction the rally.
However, the university advised students to adhere to relevant laws and follow instructions from the authorities.
Kasim reiterated that UMS provides a platform for students to discuss current issues intellectually, prioritising facts while promoting rational and ethical discourse.
"Any ideas or proposals aimed at improving societal well-being must be conveyed with decorum, as students are educated individuals capable of contributing to social harmony through thoughtful actions guided by ethics, regulations, and the law," he said.
